Composed element, multi-layered board and panel-shaped element for forming this composed element

ABSTRACT

Composed element including at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, as well as each including an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, wherein at least one of the panel-shaped elements includes an arrangement which hides from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed at the pertaining edge zone at the location of the end face.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/700,958 filedSep. 11, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/145,324 filedMay 3, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,797,427, which is a continuation ofSer. No. 14/324,504 filed Jul. 7, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,470,which is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/140,590, filed Jun. 17, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,175,703, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to the U.S. provisional application No. 61/175,596 filed on May 5,2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a composed element, a multi-layered board anda panel-shaped element for forming such composed element.

More particularly, the invention aims at a composed element comprisingat least two panel-shaped elements which are coupled to each other, canbe coupled to each other, respectively. Herein, the invention relates toany form of composed element comprising at least two or morepanel-shaped elements, irrespective of the field of application, andirrespective of the fact whether the composed element substantiallyconsists exclusively of the panel-shaped elements or whether thesepanel-shaped elements solely form a part thereof.

Although the invention can be applied in any application, it is intendedin particular for being applied in the fields of furniture, walls andwall coverings. Herein, the invention in particular aims at connectionsbetween panel-shaped elements, as well as multi-layered boards, whichare particularly suited for application for such panel-shaped elements.

More particularly, the invention aims at connections betweenpanel-shaped elements, which can be realized in a smooth manner and aresuitable for being applied with furniture that is sold in dismantledcondition and has to be assembled by the buyer himself Herein, thisrelates in particular to so-called flat-pack furniture.

2. Related Art

It is known that furniture panels are coupled to each other in variousmanners. A classical technique consists in connecting them with dowelsdriven into openings and also fixed by gluing, which, however, is atechnique which is not very suitable for do-it-yourselfers.

It is also known to supply connection accessories with the furniture inthe form of a large number of pins, screws, clamping pins and so on. Onthe one hand, this large number of accessories makes it difficult forthe user to keep track of how he has to assemble a piece of furniture,and, on the other hand, the manufacturer has to package all theseaccessories along with the furniture parts, which requires extra costsand work. In particular with so-called flat-pack furniture, wherein allparts are delivered in a flat package, it is desired to keep the packageto be sold as simple as possible, both in respect to a simple productionand composition in a flat-pack and in respect to user-friendlinesstowards the buyer who has to assemble the furniture by himself.

Also, it has already been proposed to connect furniture panels by meansof coupling means which allow turning two or more furniture panels attheir edges into each other. However, the proposed solutions showcertain disadvantages, as a consequence of which up to now no functionalsolution has been offered for composing furniture panels and such to alarger whole in a simple manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Thus, the present invention relates to a composed element, the composingparts of which can be coupled together in a functional manner, andwherein the coupling means applied therewith moreover preferably are ofsuch kind that they can be produced easily, as well as provide in acoupling which technically is developed such that it interferes with theesthetical appearance of a piece of furniture only minimally or not atall.

To this aim, the invention, according to a first aspect, relates to acomposed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, whicheach have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the formof a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal directionof the edge zone concerned, as well as each comprise an end faceextending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein saidprofiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in aninterlocking manner, with the characteristic that at least one of thepanel-shaped elements comprises means which, at the location of the endface, hide from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed atthe pertaining edge zone.

Due to these means, the design of the profiled parts no longer has aninfluence on the exterior of the composed element, and the exteriorsurface can be finished in an optimum manner. As, when realizing theprofiled parts, it is no longer necessary to consider the effect thereofon the exterior, the manufacturer moreover has the possibility ofoptimizing the profiled part in an unlimited manner in respect to goodconnection characteristics.

According to a first possibility, said means consist in that at the endface a strip of covering material is provided having next to said edgezone a contour course which differs from the contour course of saidprofiled part.

In a preferred embodiment, the strip of covering material has arectilinear contour course next to said edge zone. It is clear that inthis manner a classical straight covering strip can be used.

Further, it is preferred that the strip of covering material at theheight of said edge zone has a contour course which, in the case thatthe edge zone is situated at a panel surface, is situated in the planeof this panel surface, and that, in the case that the edge zone issituated at a side edge, extends between the corner edges of this sideedge.

The strip of covering material preferably consists of an adhered edgestrip, more particularly a laminate strip or an ABS strip (syntheticmaterial strip of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). This latter offersthe advantage that it is stronger than a laminate strip, thereby havinga better damage-resistance.

According to a second possibility, said profiled part shows at least arecessed portion in the first edge zone, and said means consist of afilling material filling at least a part of the recessed portion next tosaid end face edge. Here, the filling material may consist of a fillingcompound as well as of an insertion piece.

According to a third possibility, the profiled part at said edge zone isperformed up to a distance from said narrow edge only, such that at theend of the edge zone situated near the narrow edge, there remains apanel portion, which as such is not provided with a profile.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, said means are performedsuch that, in the coupled condition of the panel-shaped elements, bothprofiled parts, according to a view on the end face, are hidden fromview. It is also preferred that the panel-shaped elements there, wherethey are coupled together, show end faces with a rectangular endcontour, more particular, as if the boards would fit against each otherwith straight sides.

The aforementioned coupling means may be of any kind, however, they areperformed such that the panel-shaped elements can be joined togetherlaterally. This latter means that two of such panel-shaped elements canbe presented opposite each other with the edge zones provided withprofiled parts and, from such position, can be coupled to each other bymeans of a suitable displacement. This movement may consist of a turningmovement and/or a displacement, in which a coupling by means of a snapaction is created.

The coupling means preferably comprise a tongue and groove, as well aslocking elements, which, in a normal mutual usage position of thepanel-shaped elements, counteract the drifting-apart of tongue andgroove.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which each havean edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of aprofiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction ofthe edge zone concerned, as well as each comprise an end face extendingtransversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled partsallow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlockingmanner, with the characteristic that at least one of the panel-shapedelements is provided with a covering at the end face in the form of astrip of covering material, and that the profiled part extending to thesame panel element extends continuously through said strip of coveringmaterial. According to this aspect, a less expensive solution isobtained, however, while still maintaining a certain finish at the frontends of the profiled parts.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a composed elementcomprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edgezone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled partrespectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zoneconcerned, as well as each comprise an end face extending transverselyto the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts effect that thepanel-shaped elements are coupled together in an interlocking manner,with the characteristic that the profiled part of at least one of thepanel-shaped elements extends continuously up to said end face such thatat this side a contour of the profiled part is visible and that thecomposed element comprises an additional element, more particularly afront panel, which, at least in one usage position, is situated in frontof said contour and substantially covers the latter and thereby hides itfrom view.

In a practical application, said additional element is a door, forexample, a cupboard door, which in closed condition substantially coversthat contour.

Here, too, a simple and less expensive solution is offered for hidingthe profiled parts from view, at least in the most often occurring usageposition.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement in the form of a wall portion or a furniture element, with thecharacteristic that it comprises at least two panel-shaped elements;that at least one and preferably both of the panel-shaped elementsconsist of a board formed of at least two structural material layers, afirst material and a second material layer, respectively; and that thepanel-shaped elements are provided with coupling means in the form ofprofiled parts, which, in the assembled condition, effect that thepanel-shaped elements are coupled together in an interlocking manner.

This aspect offers the advantage that by using two structural layers,possibilities are obtained for optimizing the panel-shaped elements. Forexample, one material layer may be tailored to realizing sturdy couplingmeans therein, whereas the other material layer may be tailored toimparting the panel-shaped element a larger thickness and strength in aneconomic manner.

Preferably, the profiled parts are provided in the board materialitself, more particularly by means of a machining cutting treatment, inparticular a milling treatment.

The use of at least two structural layers is particularly useful forpanel-shaped elements which are coupled to each other at an angle,preferably at 90 degrees.

In a particular embodiment, the composed element according to the fourthaspect is characterized in that the panel-shaped elements are connectedat an angle by coupling means, wherein the coupling means comprise atongue and groove integrated into the board material, as well as lockingmeans present at the tongue and groove, which locking means counteractthe drifting apart of the tongue and groove, wherein these locking meansconsist of locking elements, which are situated all along the side ofthe tongue situated closest to the inner side of the respective corner.Consequently, the locking elements are situated at a certain distancefrom the outer corner, due to which the risk of tearing off of certainparts under heavy load is minimized.

Preferably, such composed element herein shall be made such that thepanel-shaped elements form a corner connection which forms a flushcorner at the exterior side, thus, is free from protruding portions.

The composed elements according to the fourth aspect preferably utilizea multi-layered board, which further also shows one or more of thefollowing characteristics:

the first material layer is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF (HighDensity Fiberboard);

-   -   the second material layer is particle board;    -   the second material layer is a lightweight wood-based board;    -   the first material layer has a smaller thickness than the second        material layer;    -   the first material layer has a thickness which is smaller than        0.7 times the thickness of the second material layer;    -   the multi-layered board consists, for at least 90% of its total        thickness, of said first material layer and said second material        layer;    -   the first material layer and the second material layer consist        of separate boards which are adhered to each other, more        particularly glued to each other;    -   the first material layer and second material layer form part of        a unitary pressed structure, wherein the first layer preferably        is based on wood fibers and the second layer on wood particles;    -   in the case of a corner connection, the first material layer is        situated at the interior side in respect to the second layer.

As will become clear from the detailed description, it is evident thatthe coupling means and pertaining locking elements preferably arerealized at least partially in the first material layer.

The first, second, third and fourth aspect are aspects which can beapplied with panel-shaped elements coupled together in the same plane,as well as with panel-shaped elements coupled together at an angle.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a composed elementcomprising at least two panel-shaped elements, which consist of a boardmaterial and which are connected together at an angle, with thecharacteristic that the panel-shaped elements are connected by means ofcoupling means which comprise a tongue and groove substantially made asprofiled parts in the board material itself, wherein the tongue has afirst side and an opposed second side, and wherein said coupling meansfurther also comprise locking elements preventing, in coupled condition,the drifting apart of the tongue and groove.

In a preferred embodiment of a composed element according to the fifthaspect, said coupling means show one or more of the followingcharacteristics:

-   -   said locking elements are only present at one side of the        tongue, whereas the other side thus is free from locking        elements;    -   the locking means or locking elements consist of at least one        locking part at the tongue and at least one        cooperating-therewith locking part in the groove, wherein the        locking part is provided at the tongue at an elastically        bendable part of the tongue, which part also forms one side of        the tongue;    -   said elastic part of the tongue protrudes further in distal        direction than the remainder of the tongue;    -   said elastic part is separated from the remainder of the tongue        by means of a slot, which preferably is reaching deeper than the        plane where the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other;    -   the tongue is split in order to allow a snap movement, wherein        the slot in the tongue preferably reaches deeper than the plane        where the panel-shaped elements adjoin each other;    -   said locking means are situated at only one side of the tongue,        wherein this is the side of the tongue situated closest to the        interior side of said corner;    -   the coupling means and locking elements allow coupling by means        of a snap movement; the coupling means and locking elements        allow coupling by means of a snap movement as well as by means        of a turning movement;    -   the tongue is situated at the distal end of a panel-shaped        element, in other words, on the end side thereof, whereas the        groove is situated at the side wall of the other panel-shaped        element;    -   the panel-shaped elements are realized from board material of        pressed and consolidated wood components, such as particle board        or wood fiberboard, for example, MDF or HDF, wherein the        coupling means comprise a tongue which extends distally in the        plane of the pertaining panel-shaped element, whereas the groove        extends perpendicularly to the plane of the panel-shaped element        in which it is provided.

In still another preferred embodiment of the fifth aspect, such composedelement further is characterized in that the panel-shaped elementsconsist of at least two structural material layers, a first materiallayer and a second material layer, respectively, wherein this composedelement further shows any of the following characteristics:

-   -   the tongue has a side which is situated in the first material        layer and an opposed side which is situated in the second        material layer;    -   the material of the first material layer shows a finer structure        than the material of the second material layer, whereas at least        one of said locking elements is situated in the first material        layer and more particularly is made in one piece therein, which        allows an accurate realization of the locking element;    -   the material of the first material layer shows a finer structure        than the material of the second material layer, wherein the        locking elements both at the tongue and at the groove comprise a        locking element, which both are situated in the first material        layer of the panel-shaped element concerned.

As the locking elements are realized in the finer material, for example,MDF or HDF, the risk is small that torn-off particles would exert adisadvantageous influence on the locking. Also, narrower tolerances canbe applied.

Also with composed panels according to the fifth aspect, it is preferredthat the panel-shaped elements at the exterior side of a corner formedby them adjoin each other in a flush manner, such that the cornerconcerned is free from protruding panel parts.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement, which is composed at least partially of a set of panel-shapedelements completely surrounding a space, with the characteristic thatthe panel-shaped elements are coupled to each other entirely around thisspace by means of coupling means in the form of profiled partsintegrated into the edges of the panels, said profiled parts allowingthat all these panel-shaped elements can be joined into each otherlaterally. Preferably, said space is surrounded by four panel-shapedelements, which successively are laterally joined into each other bymeans of coupling means in the form of profiled parts integrated intothe edges of these elements and thereby form an element with fourcorners. Further, it is preferred herein that said four panel-shapedelements possess profiled parts, which are composed such that the fourpanel-shaped elements can be joined together in at least one of thefollowing manners:

-   -   the panel-shaped elements can be joined into each other at three        of said four corners at least by means of a turning movement,        whereas the panel-shaped elements which are adjacent to each        other, at the fourth corner at least can be joined into each        other laterally by means of a snap movement;    -   the panel-shaped elements can be joined at all four corners into        each other laterally at least by means of a snap movement;    -   three of the four panel-shaped elements can be joined into each        other at least at two successive corners by a turning movement,        whereas the fourth panel-shaped element can be attached to, more        particularly, in between, the other panels at least by means of        a snap movement.

The sixth aspect offers the advantage of a simple assembly.

According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement, characterized in that it comprises a basic structure which, atleast at three successive sides, is provided with a covering formed bypanel-shaped elements, with the characteristic that these panel-shapedelements mutually are connected to each other by means of couplingmeans. Such composed element allows that the covering can easily beprovided around the basic structure, due to said coupling means, and assuch also is held in its place. In a practical embodiment, thepanel-shaped elements consist of board material, and the coupling meansare formed at least by profiled parts formed in the board materialitself.

The basic structure may consist of any element. It may relate, forexample, to a carcass for a piece of kitchen furniture, a refrigerator,for example, a wine storage cupboard, and so on.

According to an eighth aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement, which is composed of a basic structure formed by arefrigerator, which is provided with a covering at a number of sides,with the characteristic that the covering consists of panel-shapedelements consisting of wood-based board provided with a laminatecovering. This eighth aspect allows providing for a covering in aninexpensive manner. The wood-based board is, for example, an MDF or HDFboard.

According to a ninth aspect, the invention relates to a composed elementin the form of a wall portion or a furniture element, which comprises atleast two panel-shaped elements, with the characteristic that they areconnected by means of coupling means making use of a locking element,which is made as an insertion piece in an edge in one of thepanel-shaped elements. The use of such insertion piece offers theadvantage that in respect to locking, bending and the like, otherfeatures may be obtained than when the coupling means are performed inthe board material of the panel-shaped elements themselves.Consequently, the connection between two panel-shaped elements can beoptimized considerably, as in this manner a sturdier locking can berealized, however, without putting an extensive load on the boardmaterial itself.

Preferable characteristics of such coupling means using an insertionpiece will become evident from the description and the claims.

According to a tenth aspect, the invention relates to a multi-layeredboard, with the characteristic that it consists of at least twostructural material layers, a first material layer and a second materiallayer, respectively, which both are made as a wood composite and whereinthe material of the first material layer shows a finer structure thanthe material of the second layer.

It is clear that by a “wood composite”, a composition is meant which isat least formed of components on the basis of wood and a binding agentconnecting these components to each other. These components consist, forexample, of wood particles and/or wood fibers and/or wood flour, alsocalled sawdust. The fact that reference is made to “components” in theplural form, means that this relates to an amount of component particlesand thus does not mean that different kinds, such as fibers on the onehand and particles on the other hand, must be present in the same layer,although this is not excluded.

By a “finer” structure, in particular a structure is meant, which, in across-section of the first material layer, offers a finer surface thanthe surface obtained with a cross-section of the second material layer.

Such “finer” structure may consist, for example, in that finer woodcomponents are applied in the first material layer and/or that a betterfilling is used in the first material layer, such that a less porousstructure is obtained, and/or in that a higher density is applied in thefirst material layer.

It is clear that such board can be realized in a relatively cheapmanner, as it is substantially made on the basis of wood, however, atthe same time has important usage possibilities, as each material layercan be optimized in function of the application.

This multi-layered board preferably has a structure fulfilling one ormore of the following possibilities:

-   -   the first layer is formed on the basis of wood fiber material        and more particularly consists of MDF or HDF;    -   the second layer is formed on the basis of wood particles and        more particularly consists of particle board;    -   the second layer is made as a light-weight wood-based layer, for        example, light-weight wood-based board; such light-weight        wood-based layer or board consists of a wood composite in which        one or more lighter filling materials are present;    -   said light-weight wood-based board comprises as a filling        material at least foamed synthetic material and/or flax chips or        the like;    -   the first layer has a smaller thickness than the second layer;    -   the first layer has a thickness which is smaller than 0.7 times        the thickness of the second layer;    -   the multi-layered plate consists, for at least 90% of its total        thickness, of said first layer and said second layer;    -   the first and second material layer consist of particles, more        particularly wood particles, however, the first material layer        on average comprises more finer wood particles and/or more        binding agent than the second material layer;    -   the first layer and second layer consist of separate boards        which are adhered against each other, more particularly, glued        against each other;    -   the first layer and second layer form part of a unitary pressed        structure, as a result of which the two layers can be realized        in a single operation.

It is noted that all possible combinations of the herein abovesummarized possibilities for the first and second material layerspecifically fall within the invention, with the exception ofcombinations showing mutually contradictory characteristics.

It is clear that by “structural” layers, layers have to be understoodwhich, viewed in cross-section, each form an essential component part ofthe thickness of the composed board. Layers, which thus, for example,are performed exclusively as a skin, such as, for example, a thin layerof finer particles at the surface of the board in order to obtain asmoother surface, can not be considered a structural layer. Preferably,the first and second material layer show thicknesses each being at least25% and still better at least 30% of the total thickness of the composedboard.

It is clear that the difference intended by “finer structure” relates toa difference obtained by a production method applied explicitly for thispurpose, more particularly by applying mutually different materials,mutually different material blends, or materials in different ratios,whereas a density distribution which is purely the result of, forexample, pressing and consolidating a material mass in a press, where,as is known, a larger compression takes place at the surface than in thecenter, is not considered a “difference” as intended by the invention.

It is noted that a board which comprises at least two structural layers,which thus each have a considerable thickness in respect to the totalthickness, and wherein the first material layer is formed by a pressedwood composite, whereas the second material layer comprises a pressedcomposite material of a lesser weight, as such also is advantageous,irrespective whether the first material does have or does not have afiner structure than the second material layer. To this aim, the presentinvention, according to an eleventh aspect, thus also relates to aboard, which is characterized in that it comprises at least twostructural material layers, wherein the first material layer thereof isformed by a pressed wood composite, whereas the second material layercomprises a pressed composite material of a lesser weight, moreparticularly of the light-weight type. Preferably, the first materiallayer consists substantially, and still better exclusively, of woodcomposite, thus of wood components, such as wood particles and/orfibers, which are pressed and are consolidated by means of a bindingagent, by which this first material layer, for example, is comparable toor consists of particle board or MDF/HDF board. The composite materialof the second material layer preferably is a composite, thus, materialparticles with binding agent, formed on the basis of one or morematerials chosen from the series of:

-   -   wood with foamed synthetic material, for example, wood particles        with foamed synthetic material and/or wood fibers with foamed        synthetic material;    -   flax, more particularly flax particles, originating from flax        shives;    -   straw;    -   grasses, such as hay, hemp or elephant grass;    -   a composite formed on the basis of flax and/or straw and/or        grasses, combined with foamed synthetic material and/or wood        particles.

It is clear that still other materials can be blended into thecomposites.

The foamed synthetic material can be foamed during the production of theboard, as well as already foamed beforehand and can be taken up betweenthe wood components, for example, in the form of foamed particles, forexample, granules, prior to pressing the whole to form a board.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the first materiallayer and second material layer preferably form a part of a unitarypressed structure, although it is not excluded to start for each of thetwo material layers from a separately manufactured board, wherein therespective boards then are attached to each other.

It is clear that also according to the eleventh aspect, by “structurallayers”, layers have to be understood which, viewed in cross-section,each form an essential component part of the thickness of the composedboard. Layers, which thus, for example, are performed exclusively as askin, such as, for example, a thin layer of finer particles at thesurface of the board in order to obtain a smoother surface, can not beconsidered a structural layer. Preferably, the first and second materiallayer show thicknesses each being at least 25% and still better at least30% of the total thickness of the composed board.

It is clear that the boards of the tenth as well as of the eleventhaspect, apart from the mentioned two structural material layers, maycomprise still other structural material layers. According to aparticular embodiment, the boards will be performed as sandwich panels,with at least three structural material layers, wherein then preferablytwo adjacent material layers of the aforementioned three material layersare formed by said first and second material layer.

Boards with only two structural material layers, however, show theadvantage that they are easier to realize. Also, each material layerthen may have a relatively large thickness in relation to the totalthickness, which is useful when coupling parts have to be realized inone of the material layers.

Of course, the boards of the tenth and eleventh aspect may be providedwith a finish on one or both flat sides, for example, treated withmelamine and/or printed and/or lacquered.

It is noted that, when the boards of the tenth or eleventh aspect areperformed as a unitary pressed structure, the transition between thefirst material layer and the second material layer may be gradual. Themiddle of the transition then shall be considered the borderline.

Further, it is preferred that said multi-layered board according to thetenth or eleventh aspect is characterized in that it is made as apanel-shaped element, which, at least at two edges, is provided withcoupling means for coupling several of such panel-shaped elements toeach other in an interlocking manner, whether or not by the intermediaryof provided in between profiled connecting pieces, wherein thesecoupling means show one or more of the following features:

-   -   the coupling means allow coupling at least two of such        panel-shaped elements to each other in the same plane,        preferably directly to each other;    -   the coupling means allow coupling at least two of such        panel-shaped elements to each other at an angle, directly or, as        further described, by means of intermediary pieces;    -   the coupling means consist of a tongue and groove, as well as        locking elements which, at least in a certain mutual position of        the panel-shaped elements, prevent that the one element comes        with its tongue out of the groove of the other element;    -   said locking elements are only present at one side of the        tongue, whereas the other side thus is free from locking        elements;    -   the locking means consist of at least one locking part at the        tongue and at least one cooperating-therewith locking part in        the groove, wherein the locking part at the tongue is provided        at an elastically bendable part of the tongue, which also forms        a side of the tongue;    -   said elastic part of the tongue protrudes farther in distal        direction than the remainder of the tongue;    -   said elastic part is separated from the remainder of the tongue        by means of a slot; said locking means are situated at only one        side of the tongue, wherein this is the side of the tongue        situated closest to the inner side of said corner;    -   the tongue comprises a side which is situated in the first        material layer and an opposed side which is situated in the        second material layer;    -   at least one of the aforementioned locking elements is situated        in the first material layer and more particularly is made in one        piece therewith;    -   said locking elements, at the tongue as well as at the groove,        both are situated in the first material layer;    -   the entire tongue and groove, in which by the groove at least        the directed towards each other flanks of the groove are        intended, as well as the pertaining locking elements are        realized in the material of the first material layer.

According to the invention, all features summarized herein above can becombined at wish, inasmuch as such combinations are not contradictory.

According to an independent twelfth aspect, the invention relates to acomposed element comprising at least two panel-shaped elements, whichmutually are at an angle, as well as at least one connecting piece,which can cooperate with both panel-shaped elements, with thecharacteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements comprisesan edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of aprofiled part extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge zoneconcerned; that the connecting piece comprises at least one profiledpart extending in the longitudinal direction thereof; and that saidprofiled parts allow laterally joining the panel-shaped element and theconnecting piece into each other in an interlocking manner and in thisway coupling them to each other.

Such composed element has the advantage that it is easy to assemble andthat the use of small components, such as screws, connecting pins,clamping systems and the like can be excluded for forming the cornerconnection. Also, it is easy to manufacture. The connecting piece can berealized from different materials, at manufacturer's choice, whereby forthis purpose another material may be chosen than for the panel-shapedelements.

The panel-shaped elements consist, for example, of laminated woodcomposite boards, such as laminated particle board or wood fiberboard,or multi-layered boards, such as already described herein above. Also,otherwise-coated wood composite boards are taken into account.

The connecting pieces preferably are made as profiled laths. They may beformed, for example, by extrusion or by providing the necessary profilesin straight laths by means of a machining treatment, such as a millingprocess.

A number of practical examples of materials from which the connectingpieces can be realized, are MDF, HDF, solid wood, aluminum or syntheticmaterial, more particularly Nylon, PET, PP, PVC and the like. Of course,the profiled parts may be provided with a covering, for example, bymeans of a print and/or one or more lacquer layers and/or by encasing.In the case of encasing, any film can be used, for example, paper, PP,PVC, PET, veneer and the like.

The connecting pieces may have different lengths. Their final length maycorrespond to the depth of a piece of furniture or the like applying it,or differ therefrom. For example, it is not excluded to apply shortconnecting pieces, whereby then, for example, at least two thereof willhave to be applied at a distance from each other along a respective edgeof a piece of furniture. In such case, these connecting pieces may havea length of several centimeters or even have a length of one centimeteror less.

Preferably, the profiled part at the panel-shaped elements is made inone piece therewith.

The profiled parts preferably are configured such that the panel-shapedelements and the connecting pieces can be joined into each other atleast by means of a snap movement. Still better, they are configuredsuch that, at the location of one and the same connection, they can bejoined into each other by turning as well as by snapping, at theassembler's choice.

The profiled parts preferably apply a tongue and groove connection,wherein the tongue and groove are provided with locking parts or lockingelements, which prevent the drifting apart. The tongue preferably issituated at the distal end of the panel-shaped element, whereas thegroove is provided in the connecting piece. Preferably, the tongue issplit for the purpose of the snap action. Herein, it is advantageousthat the slot present in the tongue to this aim extends up to a depthwhich, in mounted condition, is deeper than up to the plane where thepanel-shaped elements adjoins the connecting piece.

The composed element of the twelfth aspect preferably is a furnitureelement. This may relate to a furniture element of any kind. A practicalfield of application is in modular hanging or standing cupboards.Another application is in kitchen cupboards, for example, for composingbasic kitchen modules, which then are further finished by the kitcheninstallers, for example, by providing thereon front walls, countertopsand the like.

In a corner construction, preferably both panel-shaped elementsadjoining thereto are coupled to the connecting piece in such manner bymeans of profiled parts. It is noted that the tongue and groove in asingle-fold corner connection preferably are always situated closer tothe inner corner than to the outer corner.

Also, connecting pieces can be applied, which allow a T-connection, across connection or a connection in the same plane, such that aplurality of furniture modules can be formed next to each other and oneupon the other.

Preferably, the connecting pieces are mounted along the corner edges,where side walls have to be coupled with upper walls, lower walls,respectively, of a module. More particularly, it is preferred that thecomponent parts of such module all around between side walls, upper walland lower wall are coupled in such manner, thus, by means of theconnecting pieces.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement, which comprises at least two modules situated next to eachother, with side walls, upper walls and lower walls, which are formed bypanel-shaped elements, characterized in that the side wall where themodules adjoin each other, is formed by a single common panel-shapedelement; that there is a first connecting construction between thiscommon panel-shaped element and the upper walls of the modules; thatthere is a second connecting construction between this commonpanel-shaped element and the lower walls of the modules; and that at thelocation of at least one of said connecting constructions, one of thepanel-shaped elements, via a profiled part formed at this panel-shapedelement, is coupled directly or indirectly to the other panel-shapedelements.

By the technique of the thirteenth aspect, the respective modules can beassembled in a fast manner. A separate height adjustment and connectionbetween separate side walls is no longer necessary. Moreover, space issaved, in consideration of the fact that between the modules, only asingle common panel-shaped element is required.

In a preferred embodiment, all panel-shaped elements which come togetherin said connecting constructions are coupled to each other by means ofprofiled parts provided in the elements, whether or not by means ofintermediate pieces.

For the coupling means and/or connecting pieces used therewith,preferably use is made of embodiments as described in the precedingaspects.

The eleventh aspect is particularly advantageous when building kitchencupboards, in particular in modules offered as a basis to kitchenbuilders, which latter then build complete kitchen cupboards from thesemodules, by providing them, for example, with front panels, countertops,possible additional lateral coverings and a variety of accessories.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the invention also relates to a board,which, over the majority of its thickness, comprises a pressed woodcomposite, which is at least composed of wood components and a bindingagent, with the characteristic that in the wood composite, by means ofits composition, a reinforcing layer of a local thickness is formed. Bya “local thickness”, it is meant that the reinforcing layer shows athickness which is smaller than the total thickness of the board andthus, viewed in a cross-section, is present only locally.

It is noted that the reinforcing layer is formed in the wood composite,which means that the reinforcing layer is in one piece integrated intothe board and that this does not relate to a separate layer applied bygluing or the like between other board-shaped layers formed in advance.

Such board of the fourteenth aspect has the advantages that, on the onehand, it can be realized in an economic manner, and, on the other hand,it offers advantageous features in a large number of applications.

Due to the fact that it is started from a pressed wood composite and themost important basic material thus is wood, the costs, however, remainrelatively low. In that the reinforcing layer moreover only is formedover a certain thickness, also the amount and cost of the materialsrequired to this aim are kept low.

It is clear that such board can be advantageously applied, for example,when manufacturing furniture panels. The furniture panels manufacturedthereof then show, amongst others, an increased bending resistance, dueto which, when being applied, for example, as a shelf, they will sagless fast and/or can carry heavier loads.

In a particular embodiment, the board is applied in the manufacture ofpanels which are provided with coupling means formed of the boardmaterial, which coupling means comprise locking parts or lockingelements, and these coupling means are realized at least partially inthe reinforcing layer. This offers the advantage that the coupling meansobtained are stronger than with a panel realized from a similar board,however, without such reinforcing layer being present. As a resultthereof, for example, sturdier couplings can be realized, wherein thecoupling parts may be loaded heavier without a break and/or tear-offthereof occurring. On the other hand, according to the invention it isalso possible to realize a less expensive board, for example, with alower density and thus relatively with less wood composite, wherein dueto the reinforcing layer, coupling means still can be realized therein,which have a normal or even better strength. A practical applicationthereof, for example, consists in manufacturing panels in MDF, whereinat least in a certain thickness thereof a reinforcing layer isintegrated, such that at that location, an increased strength is createdin the board, and such MDF board then can be used in many applicationsas a replacement for a HDF board, which as such is more expensive.

Consequently, the invention is particularly useful with floor panels,furniture panels and ceiling panels, which are provided with couplingmeans at their edges, which coupling means allow coupling such panels toeach other in an interlocking manner, whether directly or indirectly.

It is clear that generally, the location of the reinforcing layer can bechosen in function of the application for which the board is used. Also,it is clear that possibly also two or more reinforcing layers can beprovided in the board.

Preferably, the reinforcing layer substantially extends over the entireboard, preferably relatively uniform. This offers the advantage that,irrespective where a panel is formed from a board, for example, is sawedtherefrom, it is always possible to form reinforced coupling means atthe edge.

The board according to the fourteenth aspect preferably relates to aboard of the type obtained by pressing a mat-shaped layer of woodcomposite, whether or not in combination with other materials, as isusual in the traditional manufacture of particle board and MDF/HDFboards.

The wood composite which is applied in the board according to thefourteenth aspect of the invention, preferably consists of wood fiberswith a binding agent. More particularly, it is preferred that the woodcomposite is performed as a MDF or HDF board, in which then thereinforcing layer is integrated.

However, it is not excluded to apply other wood composites for thispurpose, such as particles and the like, such that in such case, theboard according to the fourteenth aspect consists of a particle boardwith a reinforcing layer integrated therein.

The reinforcing layer may be performed in different ways.

The reinforcing layer may be formed, for example, by locally applyingwood components, which, at least in one certain direction, offer ahigher strength than the remaining wood components. An example thereofis a particle board in which a wood fiber layer has been incorporated.The wood fiber layer, which then is comparable, for example, to MDF orHDF, shows a higher tensile strength in the plane of the board than inthe portion of the board which is composed of particles. In suchapplication, it is preferred that the wood fiber layer is situated atone side of the board only or rather is situated in the middle, thus, ata distance from both sides, such in view of forming coupling means inthis reinforcing layer.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the reinforcinglayer does not necessarily have to consist of wood composite and mayalso be formed by a reinforcing layer which utilizes other materials.For example, it may be formed by glass fibers, which form a layer assuch in between the wood composite, or which are blended with the woodcomposite over a certain thickness; preferably introduced as loose fiberparticles which are consolidated by pressing.

Another efficient technique of the invention consists in realizing thereinforcing layer by means of the applied binding agent. According to afirst possibility, the board is formed such that it comprises morebinding agent at the location of the reinforcing layer. Herein, this mayrelate to an additional amount of binding agent of the same bindingagent which is applied in the remainder of the board, and/or to anadditional amount of another material with a binding effect. By applyingmore binding agent, a better bonded and more solid mass is obtained,which also increases the strength of the board at the location of thereinforcing layer.

Particular binding agents, which can be used in the layer to bereinforced, are elastomers and/or thermoplastics. More particularly, itis preferred that polyurethane is applied, in a non-foamed form, andstill in particular thermoplastic polyurethane.

The reinforcing layer may be provided adjacent to a surface of theboard, thus, of the raw board, as well as within the board, thus, at adistance from the two flat sides of the board. For example, when it isintended to realize a board with an increased impact resistance at thesurface, it is clear that the reinforcing layer preferably is realizedat that surface. For example, when the intention is to be able to formsturdier coupling means in the edges of the board, then the reinforcinglayer preferably is present over that portion of the thickness of theboard, where this contributes to a reinforcement in the coupling meansin the best way.

It is clear that the invention also relates to panels which are formedfrom a board according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, moreparticularly panels with coupling means, which are at least partiallyperformed in the reinforcing layer. Here, this may relate to furniturepanels, wall or ceiling panels, as well as floor panels.

It is noted that the use of an elastomer and/or thermoplastic as abinding agent also offers good characteristics in respect to noisedampening, in particular in respect to impact noises, such as footfallsound when walking on floor panels, however, also in respect topenetrating noises. In connection herewith, the present invention,according to a fifteenth aspect, relates to a board, which, for themajority of its thickness, is composed of a pressed wood composite,consisting of wood components bonded by a binding agent, characterizedin that it is provided, over a local thickness, with a layer ofelastomer and/or thermoplastic, more particularly polyurethane or aproduct on the basis of polyurethane, and more particularlythermoplastic polyurethane. By applying this material only over a minorthickness, in other words, not the entire thickness, costs remain low.Efficiency, however, remains good, as the product is present in theentire board as a layer, even if this is only over a portion of thethickness thereof.

It is clear that this then is a layer which forms part of the pressedboard itself. The elastomer and/or the thermoplastic, and moreparticularly the polyurethane, thus is situated between the woodcomponents and/or the wood components are impregnated therewith. Forthis purpose, the elastomer and/or the thermoplastic, more particularlythe polyurethane or the product on the basis of polyurethane, may beadded to the wood components either in combination with the usualbinding agent of the wood composite, or as a replacement thereof, at thelocation where the layer concerned has to be formed.

The wood components can consist of particles and/or wood fibers, andsuch board can be realized, for example, in a similar manner as woodparticle boards or wood fiberboards, such as MDF and HDF, wherein thenit is started from two wood composites, on the one hand, a woodcomponent which is at least glued with the elastomer and/or thethermoplastic, more particularly the polyurethane or the product on thebasis of polyurethane, whether or not combined with other binding agent,and, on the other hand, a wood component which is glued with a bindingagent which does not comprise said elastomer and/or the thermoplastic,more particularly the polyurethane or the product on the basis ofpolyurethane, or does comprise it to a considerably lesser extent.Starting from these wood composites, then a mat consisting of differentlayers can be formed by strewing the treated wood components, such thatafter pressing this mat a board according to the invention is obtained.

Alternatively, one may also start from the same wood composite, which isglued with a traditional binding agent, wherein during the forming ofthe mat to be pressed, the elastomer concerned and/or the thermoplasticconcerned are added thereto, for example, by spraying or the like.

Other possibilities for providing the elastomer and/or the thermoplasticin the board itself in the form of a layer, more particularly thepolyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and still moreparticularly thermoplastic polyurethane, are not excluded to achieve aboard according to the fifteenth aspect. For example, a possibility mayconsist in that the layer is formed by impregnating the upper side of analready formed particle board or wood fiberboard with the respectivematerials.

The elastomer and/or thermoplastic, more particularly polyurethane or aproduct on the basis of polyurethane, and in particular thermoplasticpolyurethane, best is situated in the proximity of a surface of theboard and more particularly preferably is adjacent to this surface.Consequently, such boards are considered particularly useful as a basicboard for realizing floor panels from them, more particularly floorpanels having a thin top layer on top of the basic layer of which theyconsist. As in such applications the respective layer then is directlybeneath or at a very small distance beneath the top layer, a clearlyobservable dampening effect against footfall sound is obtained, whichpresumably is due to the fact that said layer forms a more or lesselastic underlay for the mostly hard top layer.

The above-mentioned effect is particularly useful with floor panelswhich are formed of such board and are provided with a laminate layer,in particular DPL (Direct Pressure Laminate). Herein, the top layer ishard and thin. Due to the hardness, usually an undesired footfall soundis produced when it is walked upon. Due to the fact that the top layer,however, is thin and said dampening layer is situated directly or almostdirectly underneath, a good dampening effect is obtained. Also in floorpanels with other top layers, there is an improvement, such as in floorpanels having a top layer of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) or a top layerconsisting of one or more prints and/or one or more layers of lacquer,such as primers, decorative paint layers, transparent top layers and thelike.

In particular with a directly printed board, whether or not by theintermediary of primers, and whether or not provided with a transparentprotective layer, however, with the exclusion of classical laminatelayers consisting of one or more paper sheets soaked in resin, theinvention will show its usefulness, as the produced footfall sound assuch then will be low and moreover is dampened well.

The layer of elastomer and/or polyurethane, more particularlypolyurethane or a product on the basis of polyurethane, and inparticular thermoplastic polyurethane, is situated with its upper sidepreferably not farther than 2 mm and still better not more than 1millimeter below the surface of the floor panel to be walked on.

Thus, it is also clear that the invention relates to floor panelsshowing the above-mentioned characteristics.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the invention relates to a composedelement, which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements, whichmutually are at an angle and are coupled by means of a connection,wherein one of the two forms a back part, whereas the other forms a partextending perpendicularly in respect to the back part, with thecharacteristic that at least one of the panel-shaped elements, forforming said connection, comprises a zone, more particularly an edgezone, at which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled partextending in the longitudinal direction of the respective zone, whereinthis profiled part allows that said panel-shaped elements can be joinedinto each other directly or indirectly in an interlocking manner and inthis way can be coupled to each other. The profiled part, as well as theportion in which it has to engage, which usually also will consist of aprofiled part, herein preferably are configured such that the respectivepanel-shaped elements can be directly or indirectly joined laterallyinto each other in an interlocking manner. By “laterally” is meant thatthe panel-shaped elements, from a position in which the respectiveprofiled parts are situated parallel opposite to each other, can bejoined into each other, more particularly by means of a turning and/orsnap movement, either directly into each other, or by the intermediaryof a connecting piece. A composed element according to the sixteenthaspect of the invention offers the advantage that it is very easy toassemble and that due to the locking connection with the back part, aparticularly stable construction is obtained.

By an “interlocking” connection, it has to be understood that as soon asthe panel-shaped elements are in a coupled condition and in the normalmutual position, they are prevented to come apart from each other. Suchconnection preferably is performed as a tongue and groove coupling, atwhich additional locking elements are present, for example, as alreadydescribed above in connection with the other aspects.

Particularly practical constructions are obtained with embodiments ofthe sixteenth aspect, wherein said longitudinal direction extends in theheight and such connection thus is active between the back part and oneor more upright-standing side walls and/or upright-standing intermediarywalls. Preferably, at least the two connections between the back partand the usual two side walls are performed in accordance with thesixteenth aspect. In the case that one or more upright-standingintermediary walls are applied, it is also preferred that one or morethereof, and still better all of them, also are coupled to the back partby means of connections by means of the sixteenth aspect.

An additional advantage with composed elements, wherein said connectionextends in height, is that, when such element is higher than a person,the coupling means at the end faces are not visible and thus it is notnecessary to apply particular means in order to hide the profiled partsfrom view at their upwardly directed ends. Herein, possible shelves orthe like preferably are put on between the side walls and/orintermediate walls by classical support means, such that the end facesof the side panels and/or partitions, which are directed forward, simplycan be made straight. In other words, there are no continuous profiledparts in the end faces, which would have to be camouflaged one way oranother.

Although the sixteenth aspect is particularly advantageous withupright-directed connections, it may also be applied with horizontalconnections between a back part and a panel-shaped element, such asbetween a back part, on the one hand, and a shelf, a bottom plank or atop plank, on the other hand.

According to a preferred embodiment of the sixteenth aspect, bothrespective panel-shaped elements are provided with profiled parts, whichthen engage directly into each other. This offers the advantage that noseparate connecting pieces are necessary and the cost of theconstruction remains limited.

However, this does not exclude that according to a variant, use can bemade of one or more connecting pieces situated as an intermediate piecebetween the panel-shaped elements, for example, profiled laths, whichare made in accordance with the twelfth aspect.

It is noted that the aforementioned panel-shaped element, which is madeas a back part, can be composed of a plurality of segments, which eachas such also can be coupled to each other, whether directly orindirectly, by means of profiled parts. In an indirect coupling,preferably one or more lath-shaped connecting pieces are applied, whichrespectively also may perform a connection with an intermediate wall,preferably also by means of profiled parts, at the connecting pieces andat an edge of the intermediate wall, respectively.

A particularly practical embodiment of a piece of furniture which isperformed according to the sixteenth aspect, consists in that betweenthe side walls and the back part, there are corner connections withprofiled parts which are performed directly in the respectivepanel-shaped elements, whereas for the connections between the back partand the intermediate walls, use is made of connecting pieces.

It is clear that embodiments according to the sixteenth aspect of theinvention are particularly suitable for pieces of furniture in the formof a rack with shelves. It is clear that in this application as well asin other applications the term furniture or piece of furniture has to bebroadly interpreted and that in this manner, this may relate, amongstothers, to pieces of furniture in the form of standing cupboards,hanging cupboards and the like, as well as pieces of furniture in theform of a large assembly, for example, wall cabinets, dressings, largeracks, for example, for shops, and the like.

Further, the invention also relates to a composed element, such asdefined above or such as also described in the following, wherein atleast one of the panel-shaped elements, and preferably both, is, are,respectively, made of a multi-layered board, such as described hereabove.

Also, the invention relates to panel-shaped elements which combine oneor more characteristics of the various aforementioned aspects at thelocation of one and the same connection, of course, inasmuch as thesecharacteristics are not contradictory. Herein, the invention aims at allpossible combinations of such characteristics.

It is clear that the invention relates to any form of composed elementwhich comprises at least two or more panel-shaped elements, as mentionedabove, irrespective of the field of application, and irrespective of thefact whether the composed element substantially consists exclusively ofsaid panel-shaped elements or whether these panel-shaped elements onlyform a part thereof.

Although the invention can be applied in any application, it is, forvarious of the aforementioned aspects, in particular intended for beingapplied in the sectors of furniture, walls and wall coverings. Forcouplings in the same plane, this may relate, for example, topanel-shaped elements together forming a wall or wall covering, or whichtogether form a large panel of a piece of furniture, such as, forexample, a tabletop formed of multiple panel-shaped elements. In suchtabletop, then, the end faces form the lateral edge of this tabletop.For coupling at an angle, this may relate, for example, to panel-shapedelements forming different sides of a cupboard.

A number of application possibilities of the invention in the furnituresector are the following:

a table, such as a party table; sports table, more particularly aping-pong table or the like, wherein the tabletop consists of multipleof said coupleable or coupled panel-shaped elements;

-   -   a cupboard, wherein the panel-shaped elements form at least a        vertical and a horizontal wall;    -   a piece of bathroom furniture or a kitchen cupboard;    -   a cupboard having a basic structure around which a covering        casing is provided, wherein the composed element forms the        covering casing or a portion thereof;    -   a wine storage cupboard;    -   flat-pack furniture.

In the case of a tabletop, the panel-shaped elements can consist ofparts which systematically have to be coupled one after the other;however, according to a variant, the elements also can form parts of thetabletop situated next to each other as well as one after the other, forexample, in the form of four quadrants.

It is clear that the invention also relates to panel-shaped elementswhich allow realizing, together with other elements, a composed elementaccording to the invention.

Further characteristics of the invention follow from the followingdetailed description and the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of theinvention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character,several preferred embodiments are described, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

i) FIG. 1 represents a composed element according to the invention indismounted condition;

ii) FIGS. 2 and 3, at a larger scale, represent views according to arrowF2 and F3, respectively, in FIG. 1;

iii) FIGS. 4 and 5 represent sections according to lines IV-IV and V-V,respectively, in FIG. 2;

iv) FIGS. 6 and 7 represent sections according to lines VI-VI andVII-VII in FIG. 5, respectively;

v) FIGS. 8 and 9 represent sections according to lines VIII-VIII andIX-IX in FIG. 3;

vi) FIGS. 10 and 11 represent sections according to lines X-X and XI-XIin FIG. 9;

vii) FIGS. 12 and 13 represent sections according to line XII-XII inFIG. 5 and line XIII-XIII in FIG. 8, respectively;

viii) FIG. 14, in cross-section and in mounted condition, represents thecomposed element of FIG. 1;

ix) FIGS. 15 and 16 represent how the panel-shaped elements of thecomposed element can be joined;

x) FIG. 17 represents a view on said composed element, on the finishedend face thereof;

xi) FIG. 18 represents a composed element according to the invention,which is made in the form of a table;

xii) FIGS. 19 and 20 represent two variants of panel-shaped parts forrealizing a composed element;

xiii) FIG. 21 represents a composed element according to the inventionwith two panel-shaped elements coupled at an angle;

xiv) FIG. 22 in cross-section shows another composed element accordingto the invention;

xv) FIG. 23 at a larger scale represents the portion indicated by F23 inFIG. 22;

xvi) FIG. 24 in cross-section represents another composed elementaccording to the invention;

xvii) FIG. 25 at a larger scale represents the portion indicated by F25in FIG. 24;

xviii) FIG. 26 represents a front view of the composed element of FIG.24;

xix) FIG. 27 in cross-section represents another composed elementaccording to the invention;

xx) FIGS. 28 and 29 represent two panel-shaped elements of the composedelement of FIG. 27;

xxi) FIG. 30 at a larger scale represents the portion indicated by F30in FIG. 27;

xxii) FIGS. 31 and 32 represent two embodiments of a multi-layered boardaccording to the invention; and

xxiii) FIGS. 33 and 34 in cross section and for two positions representa corner construction of another composed element according to theinvention;

xxiv) FIGS. 35 to 37, in cross-section and for three conditions,represent a corner construction of still another composed elementaccording to the invention;

xxv) FIGS. 38, 39 and 40 represent composed elements applying cornerconstructions from FIGS. 35 to 37;

xxvi) FIG. 41 represents a composed element according to the invention,wherein separate connecting pieces are applied at the corners;

xxvii) FIG. 42, at a larger scale, represents a cross-section accordingto line XLII-XLII in FIG. 41;

xxviii) FIG. 43 represents a connecting piece from FIG. 41 as such;

xxix) FIG. 44, in an exploded view, represents a number of componentparts of a composed element similar to that of FIG. 41, but wherein aback is present, too;

xxx) FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate composed elements in exploded view, withvarious embodiments of connecting pieces;

xxxi) FIG. 47 represents a variant of the connecting piece of FIG. 43;

xxxii) FIG. 48 represents a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 42;

xxxiii) FIG. 49 schematically represents another composed elementaccording to the invention;

xxxiv) FIG. 50 represents a portion of a composed element according tothe invention, in the form of a corner connection, wherein thepanel-shaped elements are provided with a reinforcing layer;

xxxv) FIG. 51 represents a floor panel which, according to theinvention, is provided with a reinforcing layer;

xxxvi) FIGS. 52 and 53 schematically represent another two boards, whichare realized in accordance with a particular aspect of the invention;

xxxvii) FIG. 54 represents another composed element according to theinvention, in the form of a piece of furniture;

xxxviii) FIG. 55 represents a cross-section according to line LV-LV inFIG. 54;

xxxix) FIG. 56 represents a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 54;

xl) FIG. 57 represents a cross-section according to line LVII-LVII inFIG. 54;

xli) FIG. 58 schematically and in exploded view represents a back andtwo side walls of a composed element according to the invention;

xlii) FIG. 59 in perspective view represents a variant of the embodimentof FIG. 58;

xliii) FIG. 60 represents a top view from the elements from FIG. 59;

xliv) FIGS. 61 to 65 represent various variants of the invention,respectively in a top view similar to that of FIG. 60;

xlv) FIG. 66 represents still another corner connection according to theinvention;

xlvi) FIG. 67 represents another composed element according to theinvention;

xlvii) FIG. 68 represents a cross-section according to lineLXVIII-LXVIII in FIG. 67;

xlviii) FIG. 69 represents a cross-section according to line LXIX-LXIXin FIG. 68;

xlix) FIG. 70, at a larger scale, represents the part indicated by F70in FIG. 68;

l) FIGS. 71 and 72 represent two variants of coupling means, which canbe applied according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 to 17 represent a composed element 1, as well as the componentparts thereof, which is made at least in accordance with theaforementioned first aspect.

Herein, the composed element 1 comprises two panel-shaped elements 2-3,which each have an edge zone 4-5 in which coupling means 6-7 are presentin the form of a profiled part 8-9 respectively extending in thelongitudinal direction of the edge zone 4-5 concerned, as well as eachcomprise at least one end face 10-11 extending transversely in respectto the respective edge zone 4-5, wherein said coupling means 6-7, andmore particularly the profiled parts 8-9, allow that the panel-shapedelements 2-3 can be coupled together in an interlocking manner. Inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention, at least one of thepanel-shaped elements, and in this example both panel-shaped elements2-3, comprises means 12 which hide from view at least a portion of theprofiled parts 8-9 at the location of the end face 10, 11, respectively.

The coupling means 6-7 are of such kind that the panel-shaped elements2-3, as in FIG. 1, can be presented opposite to each other and can bejoined laterally into each other, as will be explained in the following.

As represented in the example, the coupling means 6-7 preferablycomprise a tongue 13 and a groove 14, as well as locking elements 15-16,which, in a normal mutual usage position of the panel-shaped elements2-3, counteract the drifting apart of tongue and groove, as can be seenin FIG. 14, which shows the coupled condition.

A particular characteristic of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 17 consistsin that the groove 14 is bordered by lips 17-18, one lip 17 of whichprotrudes outwardly of the actual edge 19 of the panel-shaped element 3concerned. Further, a recess 20 is provided at the panel-shaped element2, which recess, in the coupled condition, offers room for theprotruding portion of the lip 17 and, as is evident from FIG. 15, allowsa free turning movement of this protruding portion.

In the example of the figures, the aforementioned means 12 consist inthat at the end faces 10-11 a strip of covering material, 21-22,respectively, is provided, which next to said edge zones shows a contourcourse 23, 24, respectively, which differs from the contour course 25,26, respectively, of said profiled parts, which contour courses all arerepresented in FIG. 17. As represented herein, the contour courses 23and 24 are rectilinear, as a consequence of which a simple finishing ispossible.

Further, the strips of covering material 21-22 have a contour course atthe height of said edge zones which extends between the corner edges27-28 of each respective side edge, such that the covering material doesnot protrude at its corners, which reduces the risk of being damaged,for example, by breaking off.

In the represented example, the extremities of the strip-shaped coveringmaterial 21-22 have a rectangular end contour, more particular, as ifthe panel-shaped elements fit against each other with straight sides,which thus are formed by said straight contour courses 23 and 24, aswell as by the contour lines 29, 30, 31 and 32, which are determined bythe corner edges 33, 34, 35 and 36 of the panel-shaped elements, wherethe large surfaces thereof are ending.

The protruding parts 37-38 of the profiled parts at the respective edgezones are performed up to a distance A from said end face only, or, inother words, are removed up to a distance A.

The strip of covering material may consist of any suitable material. Ina practical embodiment, preferably use shall be made of an adhered edgestrip, more particularly a laminate strip or an ABS strip (acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene), which are generally known for use as adhered edgestrips. A laminate strip offers the advantage that it is easy to make inthe same color and/or with the same pattern as the laminate with whichpossibly the large surfaces of the panel-shaped elements 2-3 arecovered. An ABS strip, however, offers the advantage that it is sturdierand will not be damaged as easily.

Such adherable edge strip can be applied in a known manner, whichusually is performed by rolling such strip, by the intermediary of glue,against the end face to be covered and cutting it off automatically atthe end, for example, with a severing cutter. It is noted that suchsevering cutter 39 simultaneously also may serve for removing theprotruding parts 37-38, as aforementioned, up to a distance A from theend face concerned, as a result of which no separate treatment isrequired to this aim. This treatment is represented schematically inFIGS. 7 and 11.

It is noted that cutting off by means of such severing cutter 39possibly can also be realized at a very slight angle, for example, of 2degrees, such that this severing cutter, at the location where itpenetrates deeper into the panel, is directed somewhat away from thepanel. By this, it is avoided that the severing cutter 39, as a resultof possible tolerance deviations, would cut into the flat side of thepanel-shaped element concerned.

Preferably, the panel-shaped elements possess a covering at one or bothsides. Such covering may be of any kind and, for example, may beperformed in the form of a laminate, for example, of the HPL type or theDPL type. Also, other coverings come into consideration, such as, forexample, a foil, a lacquer layer, which as such may or may not becomposed of multiple layers. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 17, thinlaminate coverings 40-41 are represented.

It is noted that in the case of laminate coverings, in the manufactureof the panel-shaped elements preferably from the beginning one startsfrom a larger board which already is laminated on one or both sides,from which then the smaller panel-shaped elements 2-3 are realized.

Depending on the design of the coupling means 6-7, the panel-shapedelements 2-3 can be joined together in one or more well-determined waysand possibly also taken apart again. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 17,the coupling means 6-7 allow joining the panel-shaped elements 2 and 3together as desired, with a turning movement as well as with atranslation and snap movement. The turning movement W is represented inFIG. 15, whereas the translation movement T is illustrated in FIG. 16.In this latter, the lip 17 briefly bends out in order to provide for asnap-effect.

Generally, it is noted that the coupling means 2-3 can be performedsuch, more particularly, have an overlapping design on certainlocations, that the panel-shaped elements 2 and 3 are permanently drawntowards each other in the mounted condition, which term also is called“pretension” and as such is known from the sector of floor panels and isdescribed, for example, in the document WO 97/47834.

FIGS. 1 to 17 represent an embodiment wherein the panel-shaped elements2-3 in connected condition are situated in the same plane. However, itis clear that the invention is not restricted to such embodiments, butis also applicable to embodiments wherein the panel-shaped elements areconnected at an angle, as will become clear from the further-describedexamples.

It is clear that the coupling means 6-7 also can be provided at two ormore sides of a panel-shaped element. When, for example, panel-shapedelements are applied having complementary coupling means at two oppositeedges, for example, the above-described coupling means 6 and 7, it isclear that successively a plurality of these elements can be coupled toeach other. An example of such coupled panel-shaped elements 42 isrepresented in FIG. 18, wherein these, together with two end elements43, form a tabletop 44. The end elements 43 exclusively have couplingmeans at the longitudinal edges with which they border the elements 42.At the end faces the elements 42-43 in accordance with the invention areprovided with a strip of covering material 45. Also theoutwardly-directed longitudinal edges 46 are provided with such coveringmaterial. The represented table offers the advantage that the tabletopis easy to handle and transport in parts. Also, such tabletop can easilybe enlarged or shortened by applying more or less elements 42. Hereby,the invention is particularly suitable for composing tables of a largeformat, such as long party tables or sports tables, for example, forplaying ping-pong. Such tables thus also offer the advantage that theyare easy to store when not in use. It is clear that suitable supportstructures 48 and legs 49 are provided.

FIG. 19 represents a variant of the invention, wherein said means 12consist in that the protruding parts 37-38, wherein solely thepanel-shaped element 3 with the protruding part 38 is represented here,are shortened over a distance, whereas the recessed portions 50associated with the profiled parts are filled up at the height of theend face, in this case, 11, by means of a filling material 51, as aresult of which the respective panel-shaped elements, in this case, therepresented element 3, each obtain a rectilinear corner contour.

The filling material 51 may consist of a filling compound, which isfinished flush with the adjoining sides, or of an insertion piece whichis provided in the respective recessed portion 50. When the fillingmaterial 51, in respect to its appearance, is attuned to the basicmaterial of the respective panel-shaped elements, then a furthercovering of the end face 11 possibly may be omitted. However, whenherein use is made of a strip-shaped covering material, then the fillingmaterial forms a support for this stroke, as then at this location, too,gluing may be provided. The use of such filling material 51 also offersthe advantage that this technique may be applied for lacqueredfurniture, for example, with lacquered MDF/HDF cupboards.

FIG. 20 schematically represents a variant, wherein the recessed portionof the profile is enlarged to a larger recess 52, for example, by meansof a milling cutter 53, which is moved over the distance A through thematerial of the panel-shaped element 3. This technique offers theadvantage that the recess can be realized with a rectangularcross-section, which enables performing the insertion piece 51 in asimple manner as a small rectangular block which can be glued into therecess 52. By means of the milling treatment, also the respectiveprotruding parts, in this case, the protruding part 38, can be removedup to the distance A.

It is clear that the same techniques may be applied for the otherpanel-shaped element 2.

FIG. 21 represents a composed element 1, or at least a portion thereof,which is at least composed of two panel-shaped elements 2 and 3, whichare coupled to each other at an angle, wherein the whole forms anexample of said second as well as said third aspect of the invention.Herein, the panel-shaped elements 2 and 3 are composed in that they arecoupled to each other, in this case, turned into each other, by means ofprofiled parts 8-9 in the form of a tongue 13 and a groove 14. Thetongue 13 is situated at an edge zone 4 at a lateral end face of thepanel-shaped element 2. The groove 14 is situated at one of the largesurfaces of the panel-shaped element 3, however, in an edge zone 5thereof, by which thus a zone has to be understood which is situated inthe proximity of an edge. In the example, this relates to the zoneextending in height over the distance E. In accordance with the secondaspect of the invention, the panel-shaped elements 2-3 show end faces10-11 extending perpendicular in respect to the respective edge zones4-5; said profiled parts allowing that the panel-shaped elements can becoupled to each other in an interlocking manner; the panel-shapedelements 2-3 are provided on the end face with a covering in the form ofa strip of covering material 21, 22, respectively; and the profiledparts are performed continuously through the aforementioned strips ofcovering material 21-22.

In accordance with the third aspect, in the embodiment of FIG. 21 alsoan additional element 53 is provided, more particularly a front panel,in this case, a door, for example a cupboard door, which, at least in ausage condition G, which in this case is the closed condition of thedoor, is situated in front of the contours, here generally indicated byreference 54, of the coupling means and substantially covers them andthereby hides them from view.

It is noted that the above-described panel-shaped elements according tothe invention can be composed in various manners. According to a firstpossibility, for such panel-shaped element, a simple board of the sameor substantially the same material is applied, for example, a simple MDFboard (Medium Density Fiberboard) or HDF board (High DensityFiberboard), or a classical particle board, possibly with finer woodparticles at the exterior surfaces. By a simple board is meant that onlyone essential structural material layer is applied, which does notexclude that other thin layers, such as coverings, may be present. As analternative, the panel-shaped elements consist of a multi-layered boardand then preferably will be realized in accordance with said fourthaspect of the invention.

In FIG. 14, a variant is shown by means of the dashed line 55, whereinthe panel-shaped elements 2-3 consist of a board formed of at least twostructural material layers, a first material layer 56 and a secondmaterial layer 57, respectively.

As discussed in the introduction, the multi-layered board, of which thepanel-shaped elements consist, may be composed in various ways, amongstwhich, amongst others, the following important possibilities:

-   -   the first material layer 56 is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)        or HDF (High Density Fiberboard);    -   the second material layer 57 is particle board;    -   the second material layer 57 is a light-weight wood-based board,        for example, particle board, in which synthetic foam material is        incorporated;    -   the first material layer 56 has a smaller thickness than the        second material layer 57;    -   the first material layer 56 has a thickness which is smaller        than 0.7 times the thickness of the second material layer 57;    -   the multi-layered board consists, for at least 90% of its total        thickness, of said first material layer 56 and said second        material layer 57;    -   the first material layer 56 and the second material 57 layer        consist of separate boards which are adhered to each other, more        particularly glued to each other;    -   the first material layer 56 and second material layer 57 form        part of a unitary pressed structure, wherein the first material        layer 56 preferably is based on wood fibers and the second        material layer 57 on wood particles.

As represented in FIG. 14, the coupling means 6-7, or at least thelocking elements 15-16, are situated in the first material layer 56.

FIG. 22 represents a composed element 1 according to the invention,which is composed of four panel-shaped elements 58, 59, 60 and 61,wherein this relates, for example, to a cupboard, more particularly asuspended cupboard, wherein the panel-shaped elements 58-60 form sidewalls, whereas the panel-shaped elements 59 and 61 form a top wall andbottom wall, respectively. The panel-shaped elements 58 and 60substantially consist of a board material with only one structuralmaterial layer, preferably MDF or HDF. The panel-shaped elements 59 and61 are composed of a composed board with two material layers 56 and 57,in this case, two board materials glued against each other. In thiscase, the material layer 56 consists of an MDF or HDF board, whereas thematerial layer 57 consists of particle board, wherein both materiallayers are glued against each other. As can be seen in the enlarged viewof FIG. 23, the coupling means 6-7 preferably are performed exclusivelyin MDF or HDF, whereas the particle board material exclusively servesfor creating a larger thickness at a lower cost.

FIGS. 24 and 25 represent a variant, wherein the first material layer 56of the panel-shaped elements 59 and 61 is situated against the interiorsides of the composed element 1, with the advantage that the couplingmeans formed therein become situated at a pronounced distance X from theextremities 62, thereby considerably reducing the risk of tearing off inthe corners when the piece of furniture is subjected to a heavy load.

FIG. 26 represents that the end faces of the composed element 1represented in FIG. 24 also, in accordance with the first aspect of theinvention, may be provided with a covering formed by a strip-shapedcovering material 63-64-65-66, by which the actual profiled parts of thecoupling means 6-7 are hidden from view. An important aspect consists inthat one may work with simple rectangular strips, whereas all fourcorners 67 of each strip in fact are connected to underlying boardmaterial and thus are attached thereto. It is clear that thepanel-shaped elements 58-59-60-61, apart from the covering formed by thestrip-shaped covering material 63-64-65-66, can be provided with acovering on other sides, too.

FIG. 27 represents a variant, wherein the panel-shaped elements 58, 59,60 and 61 each are composed of two structural material layers 56 and 57,in this case, a first structural material layer 56 of MDF or HDF boardand a second structural material layer 57 of particle board. Further,the whole is provided with the necessary laminate coverings 68. On theend faces of the whole, strips of covering material having a simplerectangular shape may be provided, analogous to FIG. 26, wherein it isclear that it is intended to apply the laminate coverings 68 and thestrips of covering material during the manufacture of the panel-shapedelements, thus, prior to joining the panel-shaped elements.

It is noted that the construction represented in FIG. 27 allowscomposing the element 1 by turning the respective panel-shaped elementsinto each other at the location of three corners of the composed element1, whereas exclusively the fourth corner has to be effected by means ofa snap-connection. As a consequence, one may proceed as follows. First,the panel-shaped element 59 is connected to the panel-shaped element 58by means of a turning movement W1. Then, the panel-shaped element 60 iscoupled to the panel-shaped element 59 by means of a turning movementW2, wherein this element 60 at the same time is forced somewhat furtherup into the position P represented in dashed line, by which sufficientspace is created for then coupling the panel-shaped element 61 to thepanel-shaped element 58 by means of a turning movement W3. Finally, theelement 1 then can be obtained in the completely assembled form byconnecting the panel-shaped element 60 to the panel-shaped element 61 bymeans of a snap movement S. It is clear that in this manner, thepanel-shaped elements easily can be coupled to each other by a user; forexample, for composing a cupboard or the like in this manner.

FIGS. 28 and 29 represent that essentially only two designs need to beused for the panel-shaped elements to be applied.

For the coupling means, in this case, too, respectively a tongue 13 anda groove 14, as well as locking elements 15 and 16 are used.

As becomes clear from FIGS. 28 and 29, as well as from the enlarged viewin FIG. 30, in this case coupling means are used showing the followingfeatures:

said locking elements 15-16 are only present at one side 69 of thetongue 13, whereas the other side 70 thus is free from locking elements;

-   -   the locking means consist of at least one locking part 15 at the        tongue 13 and at least one cooperating-therewith locking part 16        in the groove 14, wherein the locking element 15 is provided on        the tongue 13 at an elastically bendable part 71 of the tongue,        which at the same time forms a side 69 of the tongue;    -   in distal direction, said elastically bendable part 71 of the        tongue protrudes farther than the remainder of the tongue;    -   said elastic part 71 is separated from the remainder of the        tongue 13 by means of a slot 72;    -   said locking elements are situated on only one side of the        tongue, wherein this is the side 69 of the tongue which is        situated closest to the inner side of the corner 73.

It is noted that coupling means with one or more of the above-listedcharacteristics may also be applied with panel-shaped elements which canbe coupled to each other in the same plane, as well as with panel-shapedelements which as such are composed differently from the representedstructure composed of two layers.

The embodiment of FIGS. 27 to 30 also illustrates that, when thepanel-shaped elements consist of at least two structural materiallayers, a first material layer and a second material layer,respectively, then this composed element further may show any of thefollowing characteristics: the tongue has a side 69 which is situated inthe first material layer 56, and an opposite side 70 which is situatedin the second material layer 57;

-   -   the material of the first material layer 56 has a finer        structure than the material of the second material layer 57,        whereas at least one of said locking elements 15-16 is situated        in the first material layer and more particularly is made in one        piece therein;    -   the material layer of the first material layer 56 has a finer        structure than the material of the second material layer 47,        whereas the locking elements, both at the tongue and at the        groove, comprise a locking element 15, 16, respectively, which        both are situated in the first material layer of the respective        panel-shaped element.

FIGS. 21 to 27 and 30 illustrate that according to the invention thepanel-shaped elements adjoin each other in a flush manner at theexterior side of a corner formed thereby, such that the respective outercorner is straight and free from protruding panel portions.

FIG. 30 also illustrates once again that the coupling means, which areprovided in a large flat side of a panel-shaped element, due to thespecific construction can be realized at a proper distance from theedge. In other words, the groove in FIG. 30 is situated at aconsiderable distance from the upper edge of the panel-shaped element57. In connection therewith, it is preferred that the distance Z, whichis the distance from the exterior side up to the tongue, is more than ⅓of the thickness TH of the panel-shaped elements.

As discussed in the introduction, the invention also relates to amulti-layered board as such, with the characteristic that it consists ofat least two material layers, a first material layer and a secondmaterial layer, respectively, which both are performed as a woodcomposite and wherein the material of the first material layer shows afiner structure than the material of the second material layer. FIGS. 31and 32 illustrate by means of two examples that various variants arepossible.

For example, FIG. 31 represents a construction where the first materiallayer 56 is formed on the basis of wood fiber material and, for example,consists of MDF board or HDF board, whereas the second layer 57 isformed on the basis of wood particles and more particularly consists ofparticle board, wherein both boards are glued one onto the other.Further, the multi-layered board may be provided with a laminatecovering 74 on one or both sides. Also, other layers may be provided.For example, one may start from two boards which each are provided withmelamine on both sides, an MDF or HDF board and a particle board,respectively, which are glued to each other one upon the other.

FIG. 32 schematically represents a variant, wherein the first materiallayer 56 and the second material layer 57 form part of a unitary pressedstructure. Such structure may be realized by forming, in a productionprocess of particle board, not only a mat of particles to be pressed,however, in combination therewith also incorporating a layer of fibersinto the mat, preferably at one side of the mat, and then consolidatingthe whole in a press. The whole may or may not be provided with alaminate covering 74.

FIGS. 33 and 34 represent still another composed element 1 illustratinga particular aspect of the invention. The composed element 1, only aportion of which is represented, herein forms a wall or furnitureelement and shows the particular characteristic that coupling means 6-7are applied, which utilize a locking element, in this case 16, which isperformed as an insertion piece provided in an edge in one of thepanel-shaped elements, in this case, the panel-shaped element 3. Morespecifically, this insertion piece consists of a strip, which isprovided with a movable locking portion 75, which latter can cooperatewith a locking element 15 formed at the other panel-shaped element 2.

More specifically, this insertion piece is formed of a strip which,viewed in cross-section, is made of materials, preferably syntheticmaterial, with different material characteristics. This offers theadvantage that different characteristics may be imparted to thecomponent parts thereof, depending on their function. More particularly,certain parts may be made suppler than others.

In the example, the strip, apart from the already mentioned lockingportion 75, also is composed of an attachment portion 76, and a hingeportion 77 situated in between them. The locking portion 75 and theattachment portion 76 are made of a harder and more rigid syntheticmaterial than the hinge portion 77, at the one hand, for having thelocking portion 75 in coupled condition offer a good locking, andproviding the attachment portion in a stable manner into a recess 78provided for this purpose, and, on the other hand, for having thelocking portion move in a supple manner by means of the hinge portion77. It is noted that this hinge portion 77 does not only possess thefunction of an hinge, however, also functions as an elastic matterpushing the locking portion 75, in rest position, with its freeextremity outward, up into the condition of FIG. 33.

In the most preferred embodiment, the insertion piece will be made froma strip formed by means of coextrusion.

The panel-shaped elements 1 and 2 can be coupled simply by, startingfrom the position in FIG. 33, pressing them into each other with theirtongue 13 and groove 14, wherein the locking portion 75 then first isturned to the side in order to then be moved outward again and takeplace behind the locking element 15, wherein then the locked conditionof FIG. 34 is obtained.

It is noted that possibly a recess 79 may be provided in thelongitudinal direction of the profile concerned, which recess may behelpful during the possible uncoupling of the panel-shaped elements 2and 3. Such recess allows pushing, in coupled condition, a small pininto it, which is sufficiently thick for pushing the locking portion 75elastically inward, which undoes the locking. If the front side of thecomposed element 1 is provided with a finish, for example, by means ofan adhered edge strip, care may be taken that the recess 79 isaccessible exclusively along the back side of the composed element 1,for example, the back side of a cupboard, such that during normal usethe recess is not visible.

Such coupling with an insertion piece is particularly suitable for beingapplied in corner connections for furniture, on the one hand, because astable connection can be realized therewith, and, on the other hand,because during joining, the tongue simply can be pressed into the groovewithout exerting torsion forces or the like.

It is noted that such composed element 1 may possess still othercomponents than the respective panel-shaped elements alone. Amongstthese, there may also be components which reinforce the constructionformed by the panel-shaped elements, and more particularly bring it intoa rigid condition. In the case of, for example, a four-corneredconstruction, such as a small cupboard or the like, for example, asdepicted in FIGS. 22, 24, 27 and 33-34, to this aim a rectangular backmay be provided between the panel-shaped elements. This back simply mayconsist of a board which is provided between the panel-shaped elements,for example, during the joining thereof, and which takes place in agroove extending completely along the circumference.

It is evident that other components consist, for example, of shelves,intermediate posts, doors and the like, at least in the case ofcupboards.

From the board according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, nospecific embodiment is represented in the figures, as the constructionthereof is sufficiently clear from the embodiments described in theintroduction. However, FIG. 32 may be an example thereof, if thematerial layers 56 and 57 respectively were made of materials as isdescribed in respect to the eleventh aspect.

FIGS. 35 to 37, in cross-section and for three conditions, represent acorner construction of still another composed element according to theinvention, which, amongst others, meets the fifth aspect of theinvention. The coupling means 6-7 and more particularly the tongue 13and groove 14 and the locking elements 15 and 16 are made in one piecein the panel-shaped elements 2-3, for example, in the form of profiledparts 8 and 9 formed thereon by means of milling treatments.

The tongue 13 is situated at the outer end of the panel-shaped element2, whereas the groove 14 is situated in the side wall of thepanel-shaped element 3. Such arrangement and configuration offers sturdycoupling means when the panel-shaped elements consist of board materialwhich is formed of a composite pressed to boards.

This embodiment illustrates that the groove 72 can extend deeper than upto the plane where the panel-shaped elements 2-3 adjoin each other,which is beneficial for the elasticity in the tongue.

The panel-shaped elements 2-3 of FIGS. 35-37 preferably consist of MDFor HDF.

FIGS. 38, 39 and 40 represent a number of composed elements, moreparticularly furniture elements, which apply corner constructions asshown in FIGS. 35 to 37.

FIG. 38 shows an arrangement wherein the horizontal panel-shapedelements 2 are provided between the vertical panel-shaped elements 3,whereas FIG. 39 represents a variant, wherein the horizontalpanel-shaped elements 3 are provided on top, at the bottom,respectively, against the vertical panel-shaped elements 2. Depending onthe application, the one or the other solution may be chosen. Forexample, the embodiment of FIG. 38 is suitable for hanging cupboards,where it is desired that the horizontal panel-shaped elements 2 at theside edges are not visible. The embodiment of FIG. 39 in its turn thenis more suitable for standing cupboards, wherein the couplings withheavy loads from the top downward only can be pressed tighter into eachother and the risk of tearing-off of coupling parts is excluded.

FIG. 40 illustrates that at the same edge zone of a panel-shaped element3 a plurality of grooves 14 may be present, which allow a coupling inT-connection or crosswise connection of several panel-shaped elements2-3.

FIGS. 41 to 43 relate to a composed element 1, in this case, a piece offurniture, which is realized in accordance with the twelfth aspect ofthe invention. This composed element 1 does comprise panel-shapedelements 80, which mutually are at an angle, as well as connectingpieces 81, which respectively cooperate with the two adjacentpanel-shaped elements. At least one of the panel-shaped elements 80, andin this case even each of the panel-shaped elements 80, comprises edgezones 4 at which coupling means 6 are present in the form of a profiledpart 8 extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edgezone, whereas the connecting pieces 81 comprise at least one, and inthis case respectively two, profiled parts 9 extending in thelongitudinal direction thereof, in such a manner that the profiled parts8 and 9 allow that the panel-shaped elements 80 and the connectingpieces 81 can be joined laterally into each other in an interlockingmanner and in this manner the panel-shaped elements 80 can be coupled toeach other by the intermediary of the connecting pieces 81.

The profiled parts 8 and 9 preferably are performed in the form of atongue 13 and a groove 14. Preferably, a tongue 13 and groove 14 areapplied which show one or more of the characteristics which aredescribed in the introduction or in respect to the other embodiments. Inparticular the use of a split tongue 13, as described by means of FIGS.35 to 37, is useful. Also, preferably profiled parts are applied whichallow at least that the panel-shaped elements 80 can be provided in theconnecting pieces by means of snap action, and still better can berealized such that they can be joined into each other by snapping aswell as turning.

FIG. 43 clearly shows that the connecting pieces 81 can be made aslaths.

Other possible characteristics of such composed element 1 making use ofone or more connecting pieces 81, are described in the introduction andare not repeated here.

FIG. 44 illustrates how such composed element can be provided with aback part 82. For this purpose, such back part 82 can be provided inseats 83, more particularly grooves, in the panel-shaped elements 80.Possibly, also seats 84 can be provided in the connecting pieces 81.After assembly, the back part 82 automatically stays at its place.Moreover, in this manner it imparts stability to the whole. It is clearthat applying a back part in this manner is also possible with allcomposed elements of the other aspects of the invention.

Also, connecting pieces can be applied which allow a further connectionin the same plane, a T-connection or a crosswise connection, such that aplurality of furniture modules next to and on top of each other can beformed. Embodiments of such connecting pieces are represented in FIGS.45 and 46 and indicated with 81A, 81B and 81C, respectively.

It is clear that the component parts of a composed element of thetwelfth aspect also may be provided at the end faces with means, moreparticularly coverings, which hide the respective profiled parts fromview, such in analogy to the first aspect of the invention. FIG. 47represents an example of such covering 85 at the outer end of aconnecting piece 81.

Analogous to the third aspect of the invention, the cooperating profiledparts of a panel-shaped element 80 and a connecting piece 81 also can becovered by a front panel, for example, by a door in closed condition.

FIG. 48 represents a variant, wherein the connecting piece 81 is roundedat the outer corner.

FIG. 49 schematically represents an embodiment of the thirteenth aspectof the invention. This relates to a composed element, which comprises atleast two modules 86 situated next to each other, with side walls, upperwalls and bottom walls, which are formed by panel-shaped elements, inthis case 80 and 80D, characterized in that the side wall where themodules adjoin each other, is formed by a single common panel-shapedelement, here 80D; that there is a first connecting construction 87between this common panel-shaped element 80D and the upper walls of themodules 86; that there is a second connecting construction between thiscommon panel-shaped element 80D and the bottom walls of the modules 86;and that at the location of at least one of said connectingconstructions, one of the panel-shaped elements, via a profiled partformed at this panel-shaped element, is coupled directly or indirectlyto the other panel-shaped elements. In consideration of the fact that inthe example of FIG. 49, connecting pieces 81B are applied for theconnecting constructions 87 and 88, as is known from FIG. 46, it isclear that all panel-shaped elements 80-80D adjoining thereto do possessprofiled parts 8 performed therewith in one piece, as described by meansof FIG. 42.

FIG. 49 also schematically represents how this can be applied in a pieceof kitchen furniture, wherein the necessary legs 89 can be providedunder such modules and a countertop 90 can be attached thereto, as wellas not represented front parts and other accessories can be attachedthereto.

It is noted that the composition of the composed element of FIG. 40 alsomeets the thirteenth aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 50 and 51 represent panel-shaped elements, which are made ofboards 91, whereas FIGS. 52 and 53 represent portions of boards 91,which each are made in accordance with the fourteenth aspect of theinvention and for this purpose are provided with a reinforcing layer 92integrated into the board 91.

In FIG. 50, this relates to panel-shaped elements 2-3 for a piece offurniture or the like, whereas in FIG. 51 a panel-shaped element isrepresented in the form of a floor panel 93. In both cases, thereinforcing layer 92 is provided over a local thickness, thus, not thetotal thickness of the board 91, however, at the location of thecoupling means, in this case at least such that the locking elements orlocking parts 15-16 are situated in this layer 92 and thus arereinforced. Of course, variants are possible, depending where themanufacturer considers reinforcement necessary. In floor panels whichare provided with a top layer 94, it also happens that due to continuousstrain, tears may occur next to the edges, directly beneath this toplayer 94, in particular with laminate. In such case, it may then bedesirable to work with a local reinforcing layer 92A, which is situateddirectly or almost directly under the top layer 94.

FIG. 52 represents a board such as applied in FIG. 50. Possibly, theboard 50 can be coated, for example, with laminate coverings 74. FIG. 53represents a board wherein the reinforcing layer 92 is provided in thecenter.

Other characteristics of the fourteenth aspect, such as the materials ofwhich the boards and the reinforcing layers may be composed, aredescribed in the introduction and are not repeated here.

FIGS. 50 to 52 also form examples of the fifteenth aspect of theinvention, at least when the materials of the board 91 and of the layer92, which latter then does not necessarily has to be reinforcing, meetthe material requirements of this fifteenth aspect described in theintroduction.

It is clear that this fifteenth aspect thus shows its advantages inparticular with floor panels wherein the layer 92A is situated directlyunderneath the top layer 94, as also is described in greater detail inthe introduction.

FIGS. 54 to 65 represent a number of embodiments of the invention,wherein at least the aforementioned sixteenth aspect is applied.

FIG. 54 shows a composed element 1 in the form of a rack, which iscomposed of a plurality of panel-shaped elements, in this case, a backpart 94, side walls 95-96, a bottom part 97, a top part 98 and shelves99.

As is represented in the cross-section of FIG. 55, connections 100 arerealized between the panel-shaped element functioning as back part 94and the panel-shaped elements functioning as side walls 95-96, due towhich the composed element 1 meets the aforementioned sixteenth aspectof the invention described in the introduction. The side walls 95-96extend perpendicularly in respect to the back part 94, and both areprovided with zones, in this case, edge zones 4-5 with profiled parts8-9 allowing a connection.

For the profiled parts 8-9, which are applied in the sixteenth aspect,preferably use is made of a tongue and groove, too, at which lockingelements are present. In all represented examples of the sixteenthaspect, profiled parts 8-9 are represented, which are similar to thoseof, for example, FIGS. 35 to 37, wherein use is made of a split tongue,which fits into a groove. It is clear that such embodiment of tongue andgroove, or certain characteristics thereof, are also advantageous incombination with connections 100, which are made according to thesixteenth aspect. According to particular embodiments of the sixteenthaspect, such connection 100 thus is equipped with a tongue and groovewhich shows one or more of the characteristics which were described inrespect to preceding tongue and groove connections. Thesecharacteristics have been sufficiently described heretofore and thus arenot specifically repeated here.

It is noted that it is, however, not excluded to apply other forms oftongue and groove in embodiments according to the sixteenth aspect. Usemay also be made of locking elements, which are made as an insertionpiece, for example, as represented in FIGS. 33 and 34.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 54 and 55, the back part 94 is providedbetween the side walls 95 and 96.

FIGS. 56 and 57 represent a variant, wherein the back part 94 extends upto behind the rear edge of the side walls 95 and 96.

The connections 100 preferably are realized such that the side walls95-96 can be coupled to the back part 94 at least by means of a turningmovement, as is indicated in both embodiments by arrows 101. Herein, theconnections 100 preferably are configured such that they do not allow orat least counteract a further turning than into the position in whichthe side walls 95-96 are standing perpendicular or almost perpendicularto the back part 94. By then providing the bottom part 97 and/or the toppart 98 and/or the shelves 99 between the side walls 95-96, for example,by means of classical support means 102, which here are represented onlyschematically, the side walls 95-96 automatically are prevented fromturning back inwards.

It is noted that, however, it is not excluded to realize, according to anot-represented variant, also couplings between the side walls 95-96 andone or more of said component parts 97-98-99, also in the form ofprofiled parts fitting into each other.

In top view and in exploded view, FIG. 58 represents a variant, whereinalso an intermediate wall 103 is present, which can be coupled to theback part 94 by means of profiled parts 8 and 9 extending in the height.For clarity's sake, the shelves are not depicted.

FIGS. 59 and 60 represent a further variant, wherein the panel-shapedelement, which functions as a back part 94, is composed from a pluralityof segments 104, which are coupled to each other by means of aconnecting piece 81A. FIG. 61 represents a variant hereof. By dividingthe back part 94 into segments, this can be packaged and transportedmore easily. Moreover, a modular construction with more or less segmentsis possible.

FIGS. 62 to 65 illustrate further variants with one and more connectingpieces 81B, which moreover provide for a coupling with each time anintermediate wall 103. The advantage of such connecting piece 81B isthat the three panel-shaped elements coming together at their edges,thus, two segments 104 and an intermediate wall 103, can be coupled toeach other in a smooth manner.

It is noted that according to a particular partial aspect, it may beworked with segments 104, which are all the same for one and the samepiece of furniture, which makes it easier for the assembler. Theembodiments of FIGS. 62 and 64 form examples hereof.

It is not excluded to also apply separate connecting pieces, forexample, such as the earlier described connecting pieces 81, at thecorners between the back part 94 and the side walls 95-96, however, forsimplicity's sake as well as for esthetic purposes, the embodimentswithout connecting pieces at the corners are preferred.

It is noted that all embodiments which are depicted in the FIGS. 54 to65, substantially also might be realized with coupling means which canbe joined into each other exclusively by means of a turning movement,and thus not by a snap movement.

It is clear that the invention also relates to panel-shaped elementswhich are intended for realizing a composed element according to thesixteenth aspect.

Although the sixteenth aspect in the figures exclusively is representedby means of examples in the form of a rack, it is clear that it may alsobe applicable for other pieces of furniture and the like.

FIG. 66 represents another particular embodiment of a corner connection,which, amongst others, fulfills the fifth aspect of the invention. Theparticularity of the embodiment of FIG. 66 consists in that thepanel-shaped elements 2-3 adjoin each other at least partially with amiter joint, whereas they still are connected to each other by means ofprofiled parts 8-9. By this, it is meant that the connection shows oneor more of the following three characteristics, which here all areapplicable:

-   -   the corner edges 105 and 106, as well as the corner edges 107        and 108 of the panel-shaped elements 2-3, adjoin each other at        the height of the diagonal 109 of the miter;    -   at least a portion 110 of the contact surfaces between the        panel-shaped elements 2-3 coincides with said diagonal 109;    -   the panel-shaped elements 2-3 each are finished with a strip of        covering material at their end faces, wherein these strips        adjoin each other in a miter joint according to a line 111.

A particularity of the represented embodiment consists in that the plane112 in which the tongue and groove are situated, is not perpendicular tothe diagonal 109, but coincides or approximately coincides with theplane of one of the panel-shaped elements, and, as represented,preferably the plane of the panel-shaped element 2, which is providedwith the tongue. This allows that, by exerting a force perpendicularlyto the flat side of the panel-shaped element 3, it will automatically besituated in the prolongation of the tongue and groove, and consequentlythe panel-shaped elements can be joined together in an optimum manner.According to variants, however, it is not excluded to realize the tongueand groove in another direction.

In FIGS. 67 to 69, a particular application of the invention isrepresented, wherein the composed element 1 is a drawer. Theparticularity herein is that at least two, and in this case even aplurality, of the component parts, more particularly theupright-standing walls, are performed as panel-shaped elements 2-3,which according to the invention are interconnected at an angle by meansof coupling means 6-7 in the form of a tongue 13 and groove 14, whereinthe coupling means 6-7 also comprise locking elements 15-16, which incoupled condition prevent moving the tongue and groove out of eachother, i.e. at least prevent simply taking them apart.

More particularly, the drawer of the represented example is composed oftwo panel-shaped elements 2 forming the back wall 113 and the front wall114, respectively, and two panel-shaped elements 3 forming the two sidewalls 115 and 116, respectively, of the drawer. Further, the drawercomprises a bottom 117, which, as represented in FIG. 69, preferablysimply is provided in a groove 118 in the respective panel-shapedelements 2-3.

In the represented example, the drawer also is provided with a separatefront panel 119, which is attached to the front wall 114, for example,by means of screws 120.

It is clear that the coupling means 6-7 in this case consist of profiledparts extending in vertical direction. The general configurationpreferably is as depicted in FIG. 68. More particularly, the tongues 13are located at the distal extremities of the back wall 113 and frontwall 114, whereas the grooves 14 are situated at the inwardly directedsurfaces of the side walls 115-116. In this manner, the advantage isobtained that, when using the drawer and when pulling it out, the forceexerted therein then has a direction which is perpendicular to thecoupling direction of the tongue and groove, and the force exerted whenpulling out a drawer never results in a force forcing the coupling meansout of each other.

For assembling the represented drawer, preferably a procedure isfollowed as described hereafter.

First, a side wall, for example, 116, is taken and the back wall 113 andthe front wall 114 are attached thereto by respectively providing them,by means of a turning movement, with the pertaining tongue 13 in therespective groove 14 of the side wall 116. Subsequently, the bottom 117,from the side where the side wall 115 still has to be provided, can beslid into the grooves 118 of the back wall 113 and the front wall 114,such until the bottom also comes to sit with an edge in the groove 118of the side wall 116. Then, the side wall 155 is fixed on the still freedistal extremities of the back wall 113 and front wall 114 by bringingthe respective tongues and grooves into each other by means of a snapeffect. This can be performed, for example, by placing the drawerupright, with the side wall 116 at the bottom, and tapping in thisposition the side wall 115 down onto the then upwardly directed tongues13 of the back wall 113 and front wall 114.

It is noted that the bottom 117 preferably has such dimensions that,when it is sitting at one edge 121 entirely in the groove 118 of theside wall 116, it will reach, at the opposite edge 122, to beyond thedistal extremities of the tongues 13 which are present there. Thisexcess length is indicated in FIG. 68 by the distance F. This results inthe effect that, when the side wall 115 is provided on the extremitiesof the back wall 113 and front wall 114, this side wall 115 first mustbe positioned with the groove 118 provided therein over the protrudingportion of the bottom 117 and only then the snap couplings can beperformed, with the advantage that, before the whole is tapped into eachother, the bottom 117 is sitting with certainty in the groove 118 of theside wall 115. Without this provision, it might happen that the bottomis not sitting properly in front of the respective groove 118 and thebottom then is damaged, when subsequently the side wall 115 is pressed,tapped, respectively, for fixing it on the distal extremities of theback wall 113 and the front wall 114. It is noted that in FIG. 68 indashed line exclusively the perimeter of the bottom 117 is representedand, thus, not the grooves 118.

As an alternative for the screws 120, use may also be made of couplingmeans 123, with which the front panel 119 is fixed on the remainder ofthe drawer by snapping it on. These coupling means 123 are schematicallyrepresented as an alternative in FIG. 68. For these coupling means 123,use may also be made of mating profiled parts, for example, at thedistal foremost extremities of the side walls 115 and 116 and in theback wall of the front panel 119.

Finally, FIG. 67 also shows that the edges of the panel-shaped elements,in particular the upper edges, can be taped with straight strips ofcovering material, such as laminate strips 124 or the like, such that inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention, the profiled parts ofthe coupling means 6-7 are hidden from view.

It is noted that a drawer, as described above, also forms an applicationof the sixteenth aspect of the invention, as the back wall 113 then alsoforms a back part as required by this sixteenth aspect. However, thisdoes not exclude that the invention also relates to drawers in which nocoupling, such as aforementioned, with the back wall is applied, but yetcouplings according to the invention are applied at other places in thedrawer.

FIG. 70, at a larger scale, represents the portion indicated by F70 inFIG. 68. According to the invention, the coupling represented in thisfigure preferably fulfills a number of particular features. Thesefeatures, which hereafter are summarized with reference to FIG. 70, themajority of which already has been mentioned above or has beenrepresented in the figures, each have to be considered a separate aspectof the invention, however, applied in a corner connection. Thus, theseaspects of the invention do not have to be mutually combined. However,all random combinations of two or more features are possible. Also,these aspects of the invention are not restricted to the representedapplication of the drawer, but can be used in any application of acorner connection between panel-shaped elements. Thus, the invention assuch also relates to a composed element 1, which comprises at least twopanel-shaped elements 2-3, which are connected to each other at anangle, characterized in that the panel-shaped elements 2-3 are connectedby means of coupling means 6-7 comprising a tongue 13 and groove 14,which latter are substantially made as profiled parts, preferably in theboard material itself, wherein said coupling means 6-7 further alsocomprise locking elements 15-16, which, in coupled condition, preventthe moving apart of tongue and groove, wherein the composed element andmore particularly one of the coupling means show one or more of thefollowing features:

-   -   the tongue 13 is situated at the distal extremity of a        panel-shaped element 2, whereas the groove 14 is situated in the        side wall of the other panel-shaped element 3, in other words,        in any of the large surfaces thereof;    -   the tongue 13 is fitting, by means of a snap connection, in the        groove 14, such by pressing the respective panel-shaped element        2 with the tongue 2 in its plane towards the groove 14, or vice        versa;    -   the tongue 13 fits into the groove 14 by means of a turning        movement;    -   the tongue 13 and groove 14 are configured such that they can be        brought into each other by a turning movement as well as by a        snap movement via a translation, and this at the assembler's        choice;    -   the locking element 15 at the tongue 13 is situated at the side        of the tongue 13 which is directed towards the inner corner;    -   the tongue 13 is split;    -   the tongue 13 is split, and as a consequence shows two portions        125 and 126, and only one of these portions, in this case, the        portion 125 which also serves as the elastically bendable part        71, is provided with a locking element 15;    -   the tongue 13 is split and consequently comprises two portions        125 and 126, and only one of these portions is provided with a        locking element 15, wherein the portion 125, which comprises the        locking element 15, in distal direction extends farther than the        other portion 126;    -   the tongue 13 is split and the slot 72 extends up to a greater        depth than the basic plane where the panel-shaped elements 2-3        adjoin each other;    -   the tongue 13 is split and there is exclusively a locking        element 15 present at that portion of the tongue 13 which is        situated at the side of the slot directed towards the inner        corner, with the advantage that the extremity of the        panel-shaped element comprising the groove is not subjected to        loads on weak places;    -   the tongue 13 can be snapped into the groove 14 by means of a        mutual translation movement, wherein the tongue is split and one        of the two portions of the split tongue 13 is provided with a        locking element, wherein this portion 125 is elastically        bendable;    -   the tongue 13 can be snapped into the groove 14 by means of a        mutual translation movement, wherein the tongue 13 is split and        one of the two portions of the split tongue is provided with a        locking element 15, wherein this portion 125 is elastically        bendable towards the slot and wherein the slot has a width B1,        which is equal to or larger than the maximum lateral        displacement B2 performed by the locking element 15 during the        snapping-together;    -   the tongue 13, split or not split, globally is situated        off-center in respect to the panel-shaped element and is        situated closer to the side which is situated against the inner        corner than to the opposite side;    -   the distance Z at which the tongue is situated from the side of        the panel-shaped element which is located at the inner corner,        is larger than ⅓ of the total thickness TH of the respective        panel-shaped element 2;    -   the depth DG of the groove 14 is a value situated between ⅓ and        ⅔ of the thickness B3 of the panel-shaped element in which the        groove is provided;    -   the tongue 13, at the side of the respective panel-shaped        element which is intended for being located at the inner corner,        is provided with a locking element 15, wherein that portion of        the locking element 15 which laterally protrudes the farthest is        situated at a distance B4 from the aforementioned side of the        panel, which distance is less than 2 mm and still better is less        than 1 mm;    -   the thickness of the panel-shaped element 2 at which the tongue        13 is provided, is larger than the thickness of the panel-shaped        element 3 in which the groove is situated;    -   the distal extremity 127 of the panel-shaped element 3 which        comprises the groove 14, is lying in the prolongation or        approximately in the prolongation of the side of the        panel-shaped element 2 comprising the tongue 13 and which is        situated at the outer corner; according to a variant, this        distal extremity 127 protrudes up to beyond the panel-shaped        element 2;    -   the tongue 13 and/or groove 14 are provided in a panel-shaped        element, which is realized of a board material formed by        consolidating a mat of particles and/or fibers, provided with a        binding agent, by means of pressing, wherein the tongue and        groove connection comprises an elastically bendable part, i.e.        in the example the portion 125 of the tongue 13 which comprises        the locking element 15, and wherein this elastically bendable        portion extends in a direction substantially parallel to the        board; this has the advantage that the bendable portion is        relatively bendable and will not tear off, due to the fact that        such board in respect to resistance against tear-off forces        shows a considerably higher stability in its plane than, for        example, perpendicular to its plane;    -   the coupling means are applied for realizing a corner connection        between vertically extending panel-shaped elements;    -   in the coupled condition, one or more spaces are present between        the periphery of the tongue and the wall of the groove, with the        advantage that possible interfering particles can be pushed away        in these.

It is noted that the mentioned dimensions, as represented in thefigures, preferably are determined by the basic board, which may or maynot be composed, thus, without considering the thickness of a possiblypresent covering which is present on the basic board, such as theaforementioned laminate coverings 40-41, or the covering generallyindicated with reference 128 in FIG. 70. According to a variant, thesethicknesses indeed may be included into the dimensions. This latterpreferably will be done when the coverings are thicker than 2 mm, asthis covering then, so to speak, will serve as a structural component.

It is clear that the above listing substantially relates to couplingmeans 6-7 of the type which allows joining the respective composingpanel-shaped elements 2-3 laterally into each other. By “laterally”, asalready discussed, it is meant that they can be presented with tongueand groove along each other and then can be interconnected by means of amutual turning movement or translation and snap movement, or a movementin which turning and shifting are combined. This does not exclude that,in certain applications, apart therefrom they also allow connecting therespective panel-shaped elements in another not-lateral manner. By anot-lateral manner is understood, for example, that the profiled partsare slid into each other in longitudinal direction, analogous to aclassic dovetail connection.

Further, it is clear that most of these characteristics also may beapplied in embodiments wherein at least one of the coupling means ispart of a separate connecting piece, for example, a connecting piece 81,as already described above, which in its turn then is connected toanother portion of the composed element, preferably another panel-shapedelement.

It is clear that all above-described coupling means preferably areperformed such that the panel-shaped elements 2-3 match into each otherwith a pretension, which provides for that the panel-shaped elements 2-3in coupled condition are drawn towards each other. In the embodiment ofFIG. 70, this may be realized, for example, by providing for that thecontours of the locking elements 15 and 16 somewhat overlap each other,such that the elastically bendable part 71 in the final coupledcondition remains elastically bent. An elastic part 71 which is made inthis manner is represented in FIG. 70 in dashed line as a variant.Herein, the bent-out elastic part is formed such that the force causedby the bending-out generates, via the locking elements 15-16, generatesa force component pulling the panel-shaped element 2 with the tonguepermanently into the groove of the panel-shaped element 3.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, the tongueand/or groove are at least partially reinforced. In FIG. 50, this isalready represented by means of a layered structure. According to avariant, a local reinforcement may be provided, too. FIG. 71 representsan example thereof, with the particularity that the bendable portion 125of the tongue 13 is impregnated with a reinforcing agent 129, as well asthe material portion between the groove 14 and the end face, or thus theextremity 127, of the panel-shaped element 3 in which the groove isprovided, as well as the zone of and around the locking element 16. Itis clear that such reinforcement may occur at only one of theselocations, as well as at possible other locations. All thesereinforcements have the purpose of avoiding that the respective portionswould tear or split off when the corner connection is subjected toexcessive forces. Such reinforcement also can contribute to an increaseof the elasticity in the portion 125.

Such reinforcement may be realized, for example, by means of animpregnation with a reinforcing agent, such as polyurethane, before orafter the milling of the actual profiles.

It is clear that for economical reasons, the tongue 13 and groove 14preferably are manufactured in one piece from the board material of thepanel-shaped elements 2-3, for example, by means of the necessarymilling treatments. However, this does not exclude that certain portionsof the tongue and/or groove and/or of the edge zone in which they aresituated, are realized of another material. A possibility thereof isrepresented in FIG. 72, wherein in the respective edge zone an insertionpiece 130 is integrated, which consists of another material than thepanel-shaped element 2 and of which the tongue 13 is formed. Suchinsertion piece 130 consists, for example, of synthetic material, suchas PVC and the like, whereas the actual board material, for example, iswood-based and consists, for example, of particle board or HDF or MDF.Other possibilities are not excluded. For example, the insertion piecemay consist of MDF or HDF, whereas the board material consists ofparticle board.

Such insertion piece 130 can be formed beforehand and be mounted at theedge of the panel-shaped element, however, it may also be realized, asschematically represented in FIG. 72, by laying on a material mass 131along the respective edge, for example, by extrusion, and forming, afterit has solidified, the respective coupling means, in this case thetongue 13, there from, for example, by means of a milling treatment.Therein, the material mass 131 can be held at the panel-shaped elementby an adhesive effect and/or due to the fact that it gets stuck behindthe edges of a groove 132.

According to still another important embodiment of the invention,qualitatively differing board materials are applied for the panel-shapedelements, which comprise the groove, on the one hand, and the tongue, onthe other hand. The panel-shaped element which comprises the leastcritical coupling part, which mostly is the groove, then can be madefrom a board material of lower quality, which makes it possible toemploy a less expensive material for this purpose. In practice, thismeans, for example, that the panel-shaped element with the groove ismade, for example, from particle board, whereas the panel-shaped elementcomprising the tongue is made of MDF or HDF.

Unexpectedly, the inventor also has found that both the tongue and thegroove can be made in one piece of particle board, even in the case of aclassic particle board. Herein, it might be expected that, when both aremanufactured of particle board, a brittle coupling might be created,wherein chips might come loose from the tongue and interfere with goodcoupling. Contrary thereto, the inventor has found that in cornerconnections still good results were obtained. Herein, a split tongue isextra advantageous, because both portions then are more movable whenloosened portions get between the surfaces of tongue and groove, and/orbecause the slot forms a space in which loosened particles can becollected without having an interfering function.

In particular with embodiments in particle board, it may be useful toapply a reinforcing agent, for example, such as represented in FIG. 71.

According to another particular characteristic, a composed elementaccording to the invention comprises one or more panels, wherein suchpanel as such comprises, at two opposite edge zones, a coupling means,as aforementioned, in the form of a tongue, and preferably furthercomprises no coupling means in the form of a groove. Also, it ispreferred that other panels then comprise only coupling means in theform of a groove. By not applying tongue and groove at the samepanel-shaped element, the panel-shaped elements can be optimized betterand realized more simply. For example, then, as aforementioned, apanel-shaped element exclusively having grooves can be made of particleboard, and, due to the absence of tongues at this element, there is nonecessity of switching to a more expensive material, such as MDF or HDF.

It is clear that the embodiments represented in the figures always applyone or more of the aspects mentioned in the introduction, without eachtime explicitly referring thereto in the description of these figures.

It is also clear that all aforementioned profiled parts can be realizedby means of any suitable technique. For the panel-shaped elements, thispreferably takes place by means of milling treatments, for example, withmilling cutters which are arranged at different angles. This is alsopossible with the connecting pieces, however, these may also be extrudedand possibly additionally finished by means of machining treatments.

Although the invention, in respect to the aforementioned couplingtechniques, is intended in particular for being applied whenmanufacturing furniture panels, it is clear that it can also be employedin other fields of application, such as wall panels, box-shapedelements, such as packaging and storage boxes, and so on.

It is noted that said corner connections are suitable in particular forrealizing connections at 90 degrees, however, it is not excluded toapply them also for connections at angles differing from 90 degrees.

It is clear that the invention is not restricted to embodiments withpanel-shaped elements, which are provided with a laminate covering, andmay also be applied with any other panel-shaped elements, such as, forexample, panels covered with veneer, multi-layered panels, panels madeas so-called “engineered wood”, panels provided with any covering, andso on.

Another general characteristic consists in that, when a composed elementaccording to the invention comprises four panel-shaped panels allaround, which respectively can be joined into each other by means ofcoupling means according to the invention, wherein thus four connectionsare realized in the corners, then at least one of the connections allowsjoining by means of a snap connection. More particularly, it ispreferred that at least two of the other connections allow joining byturning. In the most preferred embodiment, at least two connectionssituated at the same panel-shaped element can be performed at least byturning, whereas the two opposite connections can be realized at leastby a translation and snap movement.

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments describedas an example and represented in the figures, on the contrary may suchcomposed element, such multi-layered board, as well as such panel-shapedelements be realized in various forms and dimensions, without leavingthe scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for assembling a piece offurniture, wherein said piece of furniture comprises a basic structurehaving four corners, wherein at least two panel-shaped elements formhorizontal walls of said basic structure, and at least two panel shapedelements form vertical walls of said basic structure, wherein saidpanel-shaped elements each have an edge zone in which coupling means arepresent in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in thelongitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, wherein each panelshaped element forming a vertical wall is coupled with both panel-shapedelements forming a horizontal wall in an interlocking manner, whereinsaid method comprises realizing connections between both of saidpanel-shaped elements forming a vertical wall and both of saidpanel-shaped elements forming a horizontal wall, wherein the couplingmeans of at least one of said connections includes a male part and arespective female part, and the connection is realized by snapping themale part into the female part of the respective panel-shaped elementsinto each other by means of a translation movement of the respectivecoupling means towards each other, wherein said snapping includes themale part being elastically compressed upon entering the female partfollowed by a recovery of at least part of the elastic compression inorder to create the snapping.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at leasttwo of said connections are realized by turning the coupling means of afirst of the panel-shaped elements into a second of the panel-shapedelements by a turning movement.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein saidconnections are present at said corners.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the basic structure is formed by turning the panel-shapedelements into each other at the location of three corners, whereasexclusively the fourth corner is effected by means of a translation andsnap movement.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupling meansbeing connected by a translation and snap movement comprise a lockingelement which is made as an insertion piece in an edge of one of thepanel-shaped elements.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpanel-shaped elements completely surround a space.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein all said connections are formed by means of atranslation and snap movement.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpiece of furniture is a table or a cupboard.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein said method further includes the preliminary step of taking saidpanel-shaped elements from a packaged box of flat-pack furniture. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises the step ofattaching a door to said basic structure, wherein said door is at leastin the closed condition position in front of the contours of saidcoupling means.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said panel-shapedelement is made from particle board.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid coupling means comprise a split tongue.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein realizing said connections between both of said panel-shapedelements forming a vertical wall and both of said panel-shaped elementsforming a horizontal wall comprises: turning the coupling means of afirst edge of a first of the panel-shaped elements into a first edge ofa second of the panel-shaped element, turning the coupling means of afirst edge of a third of the panel-shaped elements into second edge ofthe second of the panel-shaped element.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein realizing said connections between both of said panel-shapedelements forming a vertical wall and both of said panel-shaped elementsforming a horizontal wall further comprises: turning the coupling meansof a first edge of a fourth of the panel-shaped element into a secondedge of the third of the panel-shaped element, or turning the couplingmeans of a second edge of a third of the panel-shaped element into afirst edge of the fourth of the panel-shaped element.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the translation movement that realizes the connectionby said snapping connects the second edge of the first panel-shapedelement and the second edge of the fourth panel-shaped element.